KABI the General

12/11/2025

The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad Association’s Board of Directors has elected its officers for the 2026 year.
Ross Boelling of Abilene was re-elected as president of the organization, a post he has filled for three years. Boelling, who also serves as manager of the volunteer organization, has been instrumental in fostering the railroad’s growth over recent years.
Dr. Steve Schwarting of Abilene was elected vice-president, and Jim Waters of Salina was elected treasurer. Steve Smethers of Manhattan was named secretary.
“2026 is going to be a pivotal year for the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad,” said Boelling.
“Our efforts to rebuild our steam locomotive, Santa Fe 3415, continue at a fervent pace, and our expanding dinner, excursion, and charter train services will continue to demand constant supervision. Our Board of Directors plays a huge role is making these things happen and I’m happy to have their support and efforts for another year.”
The officers will begin their terms in January.

12/10/2025

𝟭𝟮-𝟵-𝟮𝟱

𝗖𝗼𝘄𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 6 15 32 48 - (2-1)
𝗦𝗘𝗦 15 28 41 55 - (3-0)
𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲: Tessa Herrman 22, Kit Barbierri 10, Kailee Crane 6, Timber Taylor 5, Makenna Stover 5

𝗦𝗘𝗦: Reese Heinrich 21, Kyiah Samuelson 12, Suttyn Douglas 9, Regan Douglas 8, Taryn Goetz 2, Vada Durfee 2

𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 &𝗮𝗺𝗽; 𝗛𝗩𝗔𝗖 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲
Tessa Herrman 22 points

𝗖𝗼𝘄𝗯𝗼𝘆𝘀 19 30 48 64 - (2-1)
𝗦𝗘𝗦 17 26 47 56 - (0-3)
𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲: Kolt Becker 28, Levi Evans 16, Taygen Funston 7, Landyn Rogers 6, Wyatt Bathurst 4, Ian Plunkett 2, Bennett Altwegg 1

𝗦𝗘𝗦: Adam Theil 26, Tiernan Ptacek 7, Isaiah Kejr 7, Hendrix Lund 6, Lyrik Lilley 6, Kain Sawyers 4

𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 &𝗮𝗺𝗽; 𝗛𝗩𝗔𝗖 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲
Sophomore, Kolt Becker 28 points
Senior, Levi Evans 16 points (career-high)

𝗡𝗖𝗞𝗟
𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗟𝗦
* at Chapman in Irish Classic
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
Chapman 56
Sacred Heart 52

*at Concordia
Riley County 46
Concordia 34

*at Clay Center
Beloit 51
Clay Center 46
* Lily Edwards 31 points for CC

*game on 12/8
Wamego 73
Atchinson 28

𝗕𝗢𝗬𝗦
Sacred Heart 64
Chapman 23

Concordia 73
Riley County 58

Beloit 51
Clay Center 44

Atchinson 73
Wamego 43

Pictured is Kolt Becker, image courtesy of Brad Anderson SES 55 Abilene Cowgirls 48 GYPSUM: The Southeast of Salina Lady Trojans got off to a fast start and never looked back in their 7 point victory over Abilene. SES scored the first 8 points of the game, never trailed and built a 15 point lead mul...

12/10/2025

GYPSUM: The AHS varsity teams split with Southeast of Saline Tuesday night. In the first game of the night the SES Lady Trojans outlasted the Cowgirls in a 55-48 victory. SES led by as many as 15 points but the Cowgirls cut it to 4 in the final quarter. The Cowgirls were led by Tessa Herrman, who tied her career-high with 22 points. Abilene fell to 2-1, while SES improved to 3-0.
In the boy’s matchup, Abilene held off SES 64-56. Kolt Becker finished with a game-high 28 points, while Levi Evans totaled 16. The Cowboys improved to 2-1, while SES fell to 0-3.
Abilene will return home for the final time in December Friday vs Augusta

12/08/2025

A country superstar is coming to Salina. Singer, songwriter, cookbook author, and television personality Trisha Yearwood is coming to the Stiefel Theatre. Yearwood has had five number one hits on the Billboard Country charts, including her debut “She’s in Love with the Boy” and the iconic crossover smash “How Do I Live”. She also boasts numerous other major hits, including 19 top ten singles, solidifying her status as a country music legend. The Three-time Grammy winner will release a new album on January 23rd. To celebrate the arrival of the album titled “The Mirror (Deluxe)”, Yearwood will embark on “The Mirror Tour: An Intimate Acoustic Evening of Stories and Songs”, joined by fellow singer songwriters Leslie Satcher and Bridgette Tatum. The tour offers fans a rare, up-close experience as Yearwood brings the deeply personal songs of The Mirror to life, alongside the iconic hits that have defined her legendary career. The tour will make a stop at the Stiefel in Salina on Thursday, March 12th. Tickets go on sale this Friday.

12/08/2025

The Abilene Cowboy football program was well represented on the Sports in Kansas and Kansas Football Coaches Association 4A All-State team. The Cowboys finished 5-4 this season under Brad Nicks. Congratulations to all four seniors on well-deserved recognition.

S*K
1st team defense
DL - Heath Hoekman

Honorable Mention
Heath Hoekman - TE
Lane Hoekman - RB
Levi Evans - WR
Pierce Casteel - OL/DL
Taygen Funston - DB

KFBCA
1st team defense
DL - Heath Hoekman
DB - Taygen Funston

Images courtesy of Brad Anderson

#0 Levi Evans
#6 Taygen Funston
#20 Lane Hoekman
#35 Heath Hoekman
#74 Pierce Casteel

12/08/2025

Dr. Ben Smith Principal of the Abilene High School visited with KABI Wake Up Call Host John Anderson about the finals week and upcoming Christmas programs.

12/06/2025

𝟭𝟮-𝟱-𝟮𝟱

𝗖𝗼𝘄𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 4 20 26 46 (2-0)
𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗲 12 16 29 44 (0-1)
𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲: Tessa Herrman 19, Timber Taylor 9, Makenna Stover 9, Kit Barbierri 8, Kailee Crane 1

𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗲: Katelyn Vogts 18, Brookelyn Patty 10, Willow Oliver 5, Mackenzie Wittlake 5, Brooke Smith 2, Avery Wartick 2, Hailey Coble, Bria Fitzwilliams 1

𝗖𝗼𝘄𝗯𝗼𝘆𝘀 14 29 36 60 (1-1)
𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗲 8 26 50 65 (1-0)
𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲: Kolt Becker 27, Wyatt Bathurst 12, Levi Evans 8, Taygen Funston 8, Jake Bartley 4, Nolin Hartman 1

𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗲: Cole Wilbur 21, Keenan Boldra 11, David Thompson 8, Clayton Gilbertson 6, Anderson Helmer 6, Paxton Hall 6, Cash Killian 3, Cyrus Sigg 2, Quenton C***s 2

  pictured is Junior, Kit Barbierri, image courtesy of Brad Anderson Abilene Cowgirls 46 Circle 44 ABILENE: The Abilene Cowgirls improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2019 with their victory over Circle. Abilene led 43-37 with 1:35 to play in the game but gave up a 7-0 run to fall behind 44-43 w...

12/05/2025

12/05/2025

What a great atmosphere for HS Wrestling Thursday night!

pictured is Abilene Senior, Pierce Casteel along with AHS Coaches Corey Casteel and James Stout Image courtesy of Brad Anderson   ABILENE: The Abilene Cowboy wrestling team defeated Concordia Thursday night 47-32. Abilene has won 3 straight NCKL and Regional Titles and has finished in the top 10 at...

12/05/2025

Abilene Senior, Taygen Funston scored a triple-double in Tuesday nights 69-48 victory at Holton. Funston was 6-8 from the floor with a career-high 15 points. He also had 11 rebounds and 12 assists. Abilene has had 21 straight winning seasons and for the majority of that stretch there has been a Taylor, either Terry or Kyle, on the staff and they can’t find that any other player has accomplished that feat. Funston is the lone returning starter from a team that went 16-7 and qualified for State a season ago. Last season, he averaged 6.1 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Abilene is 1-0 and plays Circle Friday 12/5.

12/05/2025

Amanda Robinson with Neighbor to Neighbor visits with KABI Wake Up Call Host John Anderson about the work they’re doing to help those in need and upcoming fund raisers.

12/05/2025

The AHS basketball teams return home Friday for their season opener. Abilene will host Towanda-Circle.
Abilene won both varsity games Tuesday night at Holton. The Cowgirls won an opener for the first time since 2019 with their 48-41 victory. The Cowgirls were led by Tessa Herrman’s 18 points. The Cowboys cruised to a 69-48 victory over the Wildcats. The Cowboys were led by Kolt Becker’s career high 29 points. Senior, Taygen Funston turned in a huge night with a triple-double with 15 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds.
Join me, Trent Sanchez for AHS basketball on KABI!

🏀 Abilene vs Circle

⏰ 5:45 pregame, 6 pm tip

📻 AM 1560 & 95.9 FM

💻 www.kabithegeneral.com

WATCH & LISTEN
https://www.abileneschools.org/o/aps/page/5-star-studios

Pictured is Taygen Funston
Image courtesy of Brad Anderson