Bidding Closes On Western Kansas Landmark

An auction to determine the new owners of a western Kansas ranch that contains the historically significant Monument Rocks chalk formations is ending.

The owners of the ranch announced in July that the land, along with 12,000 acres of mineral rights, was for sale.

Mark Faulkner of Ulysses, whose is overseeing the telephone auction, says Tuesday was the last day to submit bids. He says the high bidder is likely to be determined Thursday or Friday.

Faulkner says the most recent bid, as of midday Wednesday, is $7.1 million.

The 13,000-acre Pyramid Ranch also includes fossil finds and two graves of U.S. Calvary soldiers. It was considered a territorial marker and spiritual site for Native Americans.