Salina Police Department officers are investigating the theft of a red 2005 Chevrolet Silverado from a residence on Tenlawn Street, just off Ninth and Crawford Streets, on Tuesday afternoon.

SPD Capt. Feldman told Salina Post that officers were dispatched to the location around 4:30 p.m. after the vehicle’s owner reported it missing.

According to Salina Police Captain Feldman, the truck’s owner, a 36-year-old man, gave the vehicle to a known individual under the assumption that it would be repaired.&nbsp;

"He [suspect] lied about where he was taking it and all that and refuses to contact the victim," Feldman said. "

The Silverado, valued at $7,500 and bearing the license plate 79BWE, has not yet been located.

SPD officers are utilizing resources, including the FLOCK camera system, to aid in the investigation. Anyone with information about the missing truck is urged to contact the <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/police">Salina Police Department.</a>

SPD investigating stolen truck from Tenlawn Street

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Looking for a new podcast to keep you informed and connected within your local community? Look no further than Eagle Media's latest podcast, "King in the Community."&nbsp;

Join Eagle Media Salina News Director Nate King as he talks with local and regional government officials, first responders, non-profit leaders and unique individuals with fascinating stories from north central Kansas and beyond. Learn about how organizations in your neighborhood leverage their partnerships to create a more interconnected community.

Available on all your favorite platforms, including&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/king-in-the-community/id1687185014">Apple podcasts,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">Podbean</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZeCj4TK3kaOZEvgQaDlio">&nbsp;Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c78f2e2e-c714-4aaf-ad4c-4864a4038889">Amazon Audible</a>, TuneIn + Alexa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/king-in-the-community-5324914">Podchaser,</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/62430">Boomplay</a>.&nbsp;

No matter what streaming service you use, we've got you covered with engaging discussions and insightful interviews that will help you understand the issues that matter most to you.&nbsp; So why wait? Tune in to the "King in the Community" podcast today and discover a new way to stay connected.

For a full list of episodes<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/page/2/">&nbsp;click here</a>. Thanks for listening!

🎙The latest from 'King in the Community' with Nate King

For Kansas road conditions check out the <a href="http://Kandrive.gov">Kandrive.gov </a>map.

Travel should be limited to emergencies. If you must travel, ensure you have a winter survival kit and stay with your vehicle if stranded. Carry an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For up-to-date road conditions, call 511.&nbsp;

Stay tuned to Salina Post for weather updates and safety information.

&nbsp;As local organizations plan to change their schedules for inclement weather, Salina Post wants to remind you that the easiest way to get your event on our cancellation list is to email newstips@salinapost.com

We will post the cancellations or postponements here.

The “Emergency Accident Reporting Plan” has been implemented due to severe weather and/or hazardous driving conditions as the number of motor vehicle accidents exceeds the Department’s ability to respond in a timely manner.

Eligible accidents: Any non-hit and run, non-personal injury motor vehicle accident that does not require towing, and does not involve alcohol or drugs.

Driver requirements: Exchange personal information with the other driver(s) involved or property owner.

Complete an Emergency Accident Reporting Plan accident report form as completely as possible and mail or deliver the completed report to the Salina Police Department within 48 hours.

Emergency Accident Reporting Plan forms are available at the Salina Police Department. They are also available on-line at https://www.salina-ks.gov/police by selecting the Emergency Accident Report Form.

The local media will be notified when the Emergency Accident Reporting Plan has ended.

 USD 306 went ahead and closed for today. Campus is closed with no activities. 

Salina USD 305 is canceled for Friday, January 10. This is due to new and expected snow accumulation on top of existing conditions. We appreciate everyone's patience as we work through continuing weather challenges.

Sacred Heart vs. Beloit-St. John’s has been postponed, with a make-up date to be determined.

Salina Central’s games with Andover have also been postponed, with a make-up date to be determined.

Salina South’s games at Campus will be split, with the girls’ game set for Monday, January 27, and the boys’ game scheduled for Friday, January 31.

Abilene’s games with Halstead have been rescheduled for January 28.

Chapman’s games with Marysville have been postponed to February 3.

Southeast vs. Minneapolis has been postponed, with a make-up date to be determined.

The TMP vs. Sacred Heart game has been postponed, with a make-up date to be determined.

Southeast of Saline’s contests with Sacred Heart have been rescheduled for January 13.

Salina South vs. Hutchinson has been postponed, with a make-up date to be determined.

Chapman vs. Concordia has been rescheduled for January 28.

The Salina Food Bank will be closed Friday, Jan. 10.

Transportation is announcing service changes for CityGo because of winter weather for Friday, January 10, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp; Rolling Hills Zoo will RE-OPEN&nbsp;on Saturday, January 11th.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Wildlife Museum will open&nbsp;at 9 a.m.&nbsp;and the Zoo will open&nbsp;at Noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UPDATED: NWS 2025 Winter Storm, USD 305 cancels school Friday 

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our news tip email address. Have a breaking news story, a community event, or a feel-good story that deserves to be shared? 

Submit your news tips via email to <a href="http://newstips@salinapost.com">newstips@salinapost.com</a>

Whether you're a Salina local, a native Kansan, or have moved out of state, we want to hear from you. Your contributions help us keep our community informed and engaged. 

So, if you have a story to tell or a photo of breaking news we should know about, send it to newstips@salinapost.com.

Salina Post news tip email address

Mid-November marks the peak of the deer rut season, a time when deer are more active as they search for mates, increasing the likelihood of vehicle collisions. Since November 11, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office has responded to 11 deer-related crashes, with only one resulting in minor injuries, according to Saline County Sheriff's Office Operations Captain Jim Hughes.

It is important not to swerve to avoid hitting a deer, as that can result in a more serious crash, potentially involving other vehicles or objects off the road.

Drivers are advised to reduce speed in areas where deer are commonly seen, especially at dawn and dusk, and to use high beams when appropriate to improve visibility.

Always wear your seatbelt and ensure children are in appropriate safety seats. Use bright headlights when there is no oncoming traffic, and scan for the reflective eyes of deer along the roadway.

Saline Co. Sheriff's Office urges caution during deer season

Salina Post is thrilled to announce an exciting update - we are now accepting letters to the editor from our readers. We believe that our community's voices deserve to be heard, and providing a platform for open dialogue and constructive discussions is essential to a strong free press.&nbsp;

With the new letters to the editor offering, we aim to create a space where readers can express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas on a wide range of local topics that impact their daily lives.&nbsp;

Submitting a letter to the editor is simple. Just email your letter to <a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>

Ensure that your letter is concise and respectful. We value thoughtful and constructive discussions, so please make sure to present your arguments in a clear and coherent manner.

While we appreciate and encourage diverse perspectives, we also have certain guidelines in place. Letters should be free from hate speech, name-calling or any form of discrimination. We believe in promoting a respectful and inclusive environment for all readers.

Our editorial team will review all submissions and select letters that align with our guidelines and contribute positively to the conversation. We may edit letters for clarity, grammar, and length, but we will strive to maintain the essence of your message.

We are excited about this new opportunity to amplify your voice and encourage you to take advantage of this platform.

So, whether you have a burning issue or an important message to share, we invite you to submit a letter to the editor. Let's come together, learn from each other, and build a stronger community through the power of words.

All letters must include the author's name. No anonymous letters to the editor will be published, but if you have a news tip or an issue you would like us to know about still reach out via email at newstips@salinapost.com

<a href="https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/direct-action/letters-to-editor/main">Information Courtesy University of Kansas Community Toolbox</a>

You feel strongly about an issue, and you want to let people know what you think. You believe you can even influence people to take some action if you speak your mind. But, you want to reach an audience larger than just your friends or your group membership. Letters to the editor can be an effective way to get the word out.

A letter to the editor is a written way of talking to a newspaper, magazine, or other regularly printed publication. Letters to the editor are generally found in the first section of the newspaper, or towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the editorial page. They can take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both. They can convince readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and facts combined. 

Letters to the editor are usually short and tight, rarely longer than 300 words.

Using a few carefully placed letters, you can generate plenty of community discussion. You can also keep an issue going by preventing it from disappearing from the public eye. You can stimulate the interest of the news media and create more coverage for the matters you're working on. You can also send a "good news" letter to bring recognition to people who deserve it or acknowledge the success of an effort.

Salina Post accepting letters to the editor

The Salina League of Women Voters held its 2024 General Election Forum on Oct. 20 at 1:30 in the Watson Room at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. 

Click the link above to watch the candidates answer questions from the media and the public. Candidates present at the forum included Senate District 24-John Baker, House District 69-Lori Blake, and Clarke Sanders; Saline County Commission District 2-Annie Grevas and Kathleen Malone Crouch.

Noticeably absent from the forum was State Senator J.R. Claeys, whose empty chair and name card can be seen on the far left of the table of candidates.&nbsp;

Check Salina Post for an article about the candidate's responses on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

2024 League of Women Voters General Election Candidate Forum

Kansas Highway Patrol It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with fall harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.

“As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Captain Candice Breshears. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”

Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.

Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.

Although most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, the majority of their focus must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle.

Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you are passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.

When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.

Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn and remain aware of any potential driveway or field they may be turning into.

Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. They understand you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.

Think of the slow-moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed.

When you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance, it is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on the vehicle, especially at night.

When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow-moving farm vehicle.

KHP: Extra caution needed on Kansas roads during harvest

24/7 Travel Store is excited to kick off our 7th annual Food Bank Fill-Up campaign, “Driving Out Hunger. Together.” This month-long effort, which runs through September, will help local food banks across Kansas by matching donations up to $3,000 per store.

“At 24/7 Travel Store, giving back is a big part of who we are,” said Ted Augustine, President of 24/7 Travel Store. “Our Food Bank Fill-Up is a powerful way for us to team up with our customers and help those in need right here in our local communities. We’re grateful for the support we see each year and are proud to continue this tradition.”

The highlight of this year’s campaign is our “Hunger Action Day” event on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Food Bank representatives will be on-site at each of our stores, with times varying by location, to engage with customers and educate them on the available food bank services. They will also explain how the funds raised will be used and encourage individuals to give. On this day, we’ll also be accepting food donations in addition to monetary contributions.

The campaign has garnered strong support year after year, and Jackie Hynes, Director of Marketing at 24/7 Travel Store, is looking forward to this year’s efforts. "This will be my third year coordinating the Food Bank Fill-Up, and I’m continually inspired by the dedication of our team and the generosity of our community," Hynes said. "Through this campaign, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about the incredible work our Kansas food banks do, often relying solely on community support without access to state or grant funding. I’m proud of the efforts we all put in to support such a tremendous need and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most."

We invite everyone to join us on September 21 and throughout the month to support this important cause. Whether by donating or simply spreading the word, every action counts. For more information, including event details and how to get involved, visit 24-7stores.com/news or check out our Facebook page.

Proudly Supporting These Kansas Food Banks Abilene Area Food &amp; Clothing Bank (Abilene) • Community Care Ministries (Maple Hill) • Genesis Food Pantry of Sherman County (Goodland) • Genesis Food Pantry of Thomas County (Colby) • McPherson County Food Bank (McPherson) • Russell County Food Pantry (Russell) • Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank (Salina) • Trego County Food Pantry (WaKeeney)

24/7 Travel Store launches 7th-annual food bank fill-up

Precipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.

Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;

As of 08/01/2024 at 8:22 a.m.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/515dcf98-45ad-4e68-b2a2-ed8218a2c9e7">UPDATED: Thousands of Salinans left without power after severe thunderstorm</a>

CoCoRaHS 24-hour rain totals

Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffee House is proud to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Cash Hollistah Scholarship. Named in honor of Salina rapper, DJ, poet, and community leader Cash Hollistah, this $2,000 scholarship celebrates creativity and community engagement by supporting graduating seniors in Central Kansas who demonstrate excellence in the arts and community enrichment.

Cash Hollistah is widely recognized for his dedication to fostering creativity and supporting his community. Inspired by a transformative creative writing class during his sophomore year of high school, Hollistah has devoted his life to the arts and community building. 

Over the years, Hollistah has organized events such as battle rap competitions, art exhibits, open-mic poetry nights, and community block parties, earning admiration for his leadership and contributions to Salina’s cultural landscape. Hollistah currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.

In his honor, Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffee House, home to the popular “ONEMiC” event series, established the Cash Hollistah Scholarship to support the next generation of artists and community leaders.

The $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior in one of the following counties: Saline, McPherson, Ottawa, Ellsworth, Dickinson, Lincoln, Mitchell, Geary, Morris, Cloud, Clay, Marion, Rice, and Reno. Applicants must meet academic requirements and plan to attend an institution of higher education in the fall of 2025.

Community involvement (30%) Potential for community contribution (30%) Creativity of the application (20%) Letters of recommendation from academic advisors, mentors, or community members (20%)

Applicants must submit a creative project in their chosen medium (e.g., video, poem, song, or art piece) that highlights their passion for the arts and their commitment to their community. Additionally, students must complete an application form, answer essay questions (100 words or less), and provide at least two letters of recommendation.

Applications are available at <a href="http://thecashscholarship.org">thecashscholarship.org</a>. All materials must be postmarked by March 31, 2025, and the recipient will be notified by May 1, 2025.

For more information, please contact Tammy Jarvis at&nbsp;<a>tammy@adastrabooksandcoffee.com</a>.

Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffee House is a locally owned hub for literature, art, and community connection in Salina, Kansas. Dedicated to inspiring creativity and supporting local talent, Ad Astra is proud to present the Cash Hollistah Scholarship to foster the next generation of artists and leaders in Central Kansas.

Organizations interested in sharing information about scholarship applications can send news releases to <a>newstips@salinapost.com</a>.

Ad Astra Books & Coffeehouse taking applications for Cash Hollistah Scholarship

A vehicle theft from a local motel on Wednesday evening led to the arrest of a Salina man after a brief pursuit along Interstate 70.

Shortly after 5 p.m., a guest at the Airliner Motel, located at 781 North Broadway, reported that his silver 2005 GMC Yukon SUV was stolen after he left it running while briefly going into his room. The 43-year-old victim identified the suspect as 47-year-old John Rogers, who was also staying at the motel.

Officers later spotted a vehicle matching the description of the stolen Yukon in the 2200 block of North Ninth Street, near Interstate 70. SPD officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Rodgers continued eastbound on I-70 before pulling over near mile marker 253. He was arrested without incident.

SPD Captain James Feldman reported that Rodgers, who had a suspended driver’s license from Nebraska, was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail on charges of vehicle theft and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. No injuries or property damage were reported during the incident.

SPD arrest suspect after SUV stolen from Airliner Motel

The American Red Cross is calling on Salina residents to help meet a critical need for blood donations this January. Severe winter weather and wildfires have disrupted collections, leaving thousands of donations uncollected.

 As an added incentive, donors who give blood between January 1 and January 26 will be entered for a chance to win a Super Bowl LIX getaway for two in New Orleans. The prize includes pre-game activities, round-trip airfare, a three-night hotel stay, and a $1,000 gift card.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Salina and nearby areas include:

American Red Cross Facility, 120 W. Prescott, Salina, KS, on various days and times. Use sponsor code SalinaKS to schedule.

Bennington Community FIRE/EMS, 584 N. 180th Road, Bennington, KS, on Thursday, January 30, from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Use sponsor code Bennington.

To schedule your appointment, visit <a href="http://RedCrossBlood.org">RedCrossBlood.org</a> or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Your donation could save lives and take you to the Super Bowl!

Red Cross urges blood donations with chance to win Super Bowl LIX tickets

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;

Salina Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. To submit obituaries, email the obituary text and a photo of the deceased to admin@salinapost.com&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Roselawnburialandcremation">Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services Facebook Page</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

Today A slight chance of flurries. Partly sunny, with a high near 29. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 11. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph after midnight. Friday Sunny, with a high near 41. South wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. South wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable. Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. North wind 6 to 10 mph. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. SundayPartly sunny, with a high near 34. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 20.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NWS four day weather forecast

Beginning Monday, January 27, 2025, Smoky Hill Construction will work on Shalimar Drive between South Ohio Street and Lewis Street. Pavement will be removed, and a water main will be disconnected from service. Shalimar Drive will be closed for through traffic between South Ohio Street and Lewis Street.

Access to adjacent properties will be maintained. Weather permitting, the work is expected to last two weeks and be completed by February 10, 2025.

Appropriate barriers will be in place to ensure workers' safety. Motorists may encounter minor delays, so they are encouraged to avoid work zones when possible.

For additional information, contact the City of Salina Utilities Department at (785) 309-5725.

City of Salina issues utility construction notice for Shalimar Drive

Love, music, and fine dining come together this Valentine’s season aboard the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad’s Valentine’s Smoky Valley Limited Dinner Train.

The two-hour journey departs from Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 15. The short trip takes passengers on a scenic ride through the Smoky Hill River Valley to Enterprise, Kansas. The experience blends history, charm, and romance.

Guests will board beautifully restored passenger coaches, including the Enterprise, Chicago, and Eveland Creek, where they will be treated to a prime rib dinner prepared by Chef Amanda Collins of Amanda’s Bakery &amp; Bistro in Abilene. Adding to the ambiance, the Abilene High School Select Choir will perform romantic serenades featuring classic love songs. Passengers can also enjoy optional indulgences, including wine, beer, and chocolate, available for purchase.

With only 160 tickets available, the event offers an intimate and exclusive celebration of love. Tickets are $100 per person, plus taxes and fees, and can be reserved at <a href="http://www.asvrr.org">www.asvrr.org</a>.

This Valentine’s dinner train promises an enchanting evening, blending fine dining, live music, and the historic charm of the official State Heritage Railroad of Kansas.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day aboard the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

A total of 516 students were named to Kansas Wesleyan honor rolls for the Fall 2024 semester, the university announced Wednesday, Jan. 22. The 516 students honored is a nearly 13% increase from the spring semester and for the second straight term, is thought to be a school record.&nbsp;

Full-time students who accumulated a 3.75 GPA or better during the fall semester were named to the President’s Honor Roll, while those who posted a GPA between 3.25-3.74 this past semester were selected to the Dean’s Honor Roll.

KWU announces Fall 2024 Honor Roll recipients

Kansas is turning 164 years old this year, and the Smoky Hill Museum plans to offer a FREE public celebration&nbsp;on Saturday, February 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;

The whole family can enjoy learning how to make butter and shell corn at the Kansas Day Open House and Birthday Bash. Plus, there will be make-and-take crafts and delicious birthday cupcakes. Also, be sure to stop by the Museum Store&nbsp;for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork and gifts for all ages.

The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum in downtown Salina, Kansas. This FREE museum is open Tuesdays- Fridays 11-5 and Saturdays 10-5.&nbsp;

For needed accommodations, please call Nona Miller at&nbsp;309-5776&nbsp;between the hours of&nbsp;8:00 a.m.&nbsp;and&nbsp;5:00 p.m.&nbsp; Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least five working days prior to the event.

Smoky Hill Museum invites public to Kansas Day celebration

Nearly everything the Kansas Wesleyan Men's Basketball team threw at the basket went in on Wednesday night against the arch-rival Bethany Swedes.

The Coyotes shot a blistering 66.1 percent from the field for the game and cruised to a 101-77 victory inside Mabee Arena.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/36111c7c-137c-4f10-a04f-fdbf94f3603e?elinkdata=17717">Alex Littlejohn</a> was incredible for the Coyotes again, scoring 26 points and pulling down 12 rebounds after being recognized as becoming KWU's all-time leading scorer on January 11 against Avila.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2ded198c-f5c5-45cb-81ad-b00f3149fa3d?elinkdata=17717">Izaiah Hale</a> had a break-out game for the Coyotes as well, pouring in 22 points on 8 of 11 shooting.

Bethany had one lead in the game at 2-0, but after that it was all Coyotes all the way.

Back-to-back scores by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60e999f0-9c61-416a-99ac-d117b2beac60?elinkdata=17717">Evens Appolon</a> got things going for the Coyotes who pushed out to a 9-4 lead on Littlejohn's 3-point with 16:38 left in the first.

Wesleyan kept going, pushing the lead out to 16-6 with 15 minutes left, and kept the lead there.

It seemed like any time Bethany tried to make a run, the Coyotes had an answer. The Swedes cut the difference to five with five straight points, but the Coyotes came right back with five in a row, all from Littlejohn to push the lead back out to 10 at 21-11.

Bethany had it within eight at 27-19 with eight minutes to go in the first when the Coyotes answered back with seven straight capped by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/01a0e67d-8a3e-4d8f-9b2b-63ee642149be?elinkdata=17717">Landon Wagler's</a> 3-pointer with 5:49 left to make it 34-19.

Everything was going right for the Coyotes in the first half, even when Littlejohn slipped and threw the ball up to the basket while sitting on the floor, and made it for a highlight reel move while putting KWU up 43-27.

Bethany cut it to nine at the half 47-38.

The start of the second half went back and forth as the teams traded baskets, as KWU went 7 of 8 in the first five minutes, and Bethany was 4 of 5 in the same stretch.

The Swedes were back within nine with 9:45 to go when the Coyotes took over. Six straight Coyote points pushed the lead to 15 at 79-64 and the Coyotes continued to pull away, pushing the lead to 20 on a bucket by Littlejohn with 5:29 to go.

Hale's bucket and free throw with 2:05 left pushed Wesleyan over the century mark as the Coyotes cleared the bench in the final two minutes.

Hunter added 19 and Appolon 10 for the Coyotes. Littlejohn grabbed 12 rebounds helping KWU to a 39-22 rebounding margin. He needs just six rebounds to break the KWU all-time rebounding record that has stood for 75 years.

🏀 Hot shooting Coyotes cruise past Swedes 101-77

Kansas Wesleyan women's coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d8ea6ec8-04a6-451b-8d66-e613dc637cfe?elinkdata=17686">Ryan Showman</a> had no problem pinpointing the reason his team was so successful against arch-rival Bethany.

"Our defensive effort was phenomenal, one of the best of the year," he said of the Coyotes' 57-47 Kansas Conference victory Wednesday night inside Mabee Arena.

KWU limited Bethany to 22 of 61 shooting (26.1 percent) and that was after the Swedes made 7 of their last 11 shots of the game.

The Coyotes improved to 16-3 on the season and remain atop the KCAC standings at 12-1. It was their fourth consecutive victory, the 14th in their last 15 game and sets the stage for a showdown against second-place Friends (11-2) at 6 p.m. Saturday in Mabee Arena.

KWU limited the Swedes to 22.6 percent shooting the first half (7 of 31) and 28.9 percent the second half. Bethany had just nine turnovers but rarely got a good look at the basket on offense, particularly the first shot.

"I thought our first-shot defense was absolutely incredible," Showman said.

Wesleyan led 28-21 at halftime thanks to back-to-back 3-pointers from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/048fccbc-5a64-44e5-b0f5-c0b1b8afed9c?elinkdata=17686">Jill Stephens</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c4180295-d1db-4d30-b945-8f554af0028b?elinkdata=17686">Odessa Ozuna</a> the final 1:05 of the half.

"The difference in the first half was I thought we were getting shots within our offense, but we weren't finishing," Showman said. "I didn't think they were getting very much out of their offense and that was a credit to our defense. I thought we did a great job making things tough and taking them out of what they wanted to do."

KWU scored the first 10 points of the third quarter and never looked back. The Coyotes took a 42-27 lead into the fourth quarter and had their biggest lead of the game (23) with 6:20 left.

Bethany was 2 of 14 from 3-point range for the game and KWU won the rebounding battle 49-45. Kylie Dunn led the Swedes with nine points, all in the first half.

"We worked together super well (defensively)," said junior forward <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7e0bf520-f4cd-499b-bc0c-ab84e052c6af?elinkdata=17686">Hampton Williams</a> who had 10 rebounds, six points, three assists and three blocked shots. "We probably didn't communicate as much as we should have but we preach defense. We're really bonded and know where each other is at and trust each other to be there."

Like Showman, Williams was pleased with the team's defensive work early in each Bethany possession.

"I think it's very impressive that it was like 36 minutes that they had no first-chance buckets - that's like almost unheard of," she said. "It just showed that our defensive effort is really paying off and people can actually see we work super hard at it."

KWU shot 36.1 percent (22 of 61) including 8 of 26 from the 3-point arc. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f61e481-1d02-428f-9708-af02e2159c1d?elinkdata=17686">Angel Lee</a> scored 14 and was the only player in the game to reach double figures. Cat Bowman, Ozuna and Stephens finished with nine each as eight of the nine Coyotes who played scored.

Bowman and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88d719f9-d85a-4fd0-b27b-207c7cd4f49d?elinkdata=17686">Paige Chauncey</a> grabbed eight rebounds apiece.

"One of our strengths is our bench, it doesn't matter who comes off of it," Showman said. "People contribute and we're going to need that depth moving forward."

Friends defeated Bethel 75-64 Wednesday in Wichita. It was the Falcons' sixth consecutive victory and eighth in the last nine games.

🏀 KWU WBB tops Swedes behind outstanding defensive effort

WACO, Texas (AP) — Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BaylorMBB/status/1882271226623889568">VJ Edgecombe scored 20 of his career-high 30 points</a>&nbsp;in the second half to rally Baylor to a 70-62 win over Kansas State on Wednesday night.

The Bears were down a dozen when Dug McDaniel drilled a 3-pointer to put the Wildcats up 40-28 less than four minutes into the second half.

Baylor was down nine when Jalen Celestine made a pair of free throws to ignite a 19-5 run for a 55-40 lead. Edgecombe had 11 points and capped the surge with a 3-pointer. Celestine also had a pair of 3s in that stretch.

Brendan Hausen hit his third 3 of the half to pull Kansas State within 57-56 with just under five minutes to go but Celestine and Edgecombe worked the Bears' lead back to nine with a minute left.

Celestine scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half for the Bears (12-6, 4-3 Big 12 Conference). Norchad Omier grabbed 13 rebounds for Baylor.

David N'Guessan scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Kansas State (7-11, 1-6), which has lost 15-straight road games and six overall. McDaniel and Hausen both added 12.

McDaniel hit a 3-pointer, Coleman Hawkins converted a three-point play and then McDaniel added a pair of layups for a 10-0 run that helped the Wildcats take a 30-26 lead at the half.

Baylor shot 25% in the first half but 60% in the second, when the Bears made 5 of 8 3s and 15 of 19 free throws with just one turnover.

No. 23 West Virginia plays at Kansas State on Saturday when Baylor plays at Utah.

🏀 Freshman VJ Edgecombe scores 30 to rally Baylor over K-State

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 16 points to lead five Kansas players scoring in double figures as the 12th-ranked Jayhawks won 74-61 at TCU on Wednesday night after trailing by 14 points in the first half.

AJ Storr scored 10 of his 12 points after halftime for the Jayhawks (14-4, 5-2 Big 12). His stepback jumper with 11:30 left put them ahead to stay, right after the junior guard had turnovers on consecutive possessions, and ignited a 14-2 run he ended with a jumper.

Zeke Mayo added 13 points and Shakeel Moore 11. Flory Bidunga had 10 points and 10 rebounds, giving the 6-foot-9 freshman his first career double-double, along with four blocked shots.

Noah Reynolds had 14 points to lead TCU (10-8, 3-4), which has alternated wins and losses the past eight games. Vasean Allette had 13 points and Brendan Wenzel had 11.

After Kansas was down 14 midway through the first half, Mayo's jumper tied the game at 33 just before halftime. The preseason No. 1 team now has its lowest ranking this season.

TCU missed a chance for its second win in a row over a Top 25 team after a win Sunday at then-No. 25 Baylor.

Dickinson had the ball cradled into his body with both arms on an offensive rebound when TCU forward Trazarien White also grabbed at it. They remained tangled and both got technical fouls after officials reviewed the play. TCU had possession and White had an alley-oop dunk from Reynolds to make it 48-47 with 12:44 left, its last lead.

TCU missed its last six shots and only made two free throws over the final 3:37.

🏀 No. 12 Kansas overcomes early deficit and beats TCU

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, there’s really nobody to mention. Everybody will practice today. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing the Bills, (they’re) a good football team, as we know. (Bills Head Coach) Sean (McDermott) does a great job, as do his coaches, and they’ve got good players, so we’ve got to have a good week of preparation there. With that, the time’s yours.”

Q: DeAndre Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hollywood Brown didn’t record a catch against the Texans. How are you going to try to get them more involved this week?

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