UPCOMING GAMES: Baseball: SES vs&nbsp;Riley County - 5/16 at 3:00pm. Baseball: Sacred Heart vs Republic Co. - 5/16 at 5pm.

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📨 Sign up today for Salina Post's Noon News Update!

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

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

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

Due to damages from Sunday's severe weather, the bridge and road south of Wilson, Kansas will NOT be open by Memorial Day, May 27.&nbsp;

According to the Ellsworth County Highway Department, a date has not been set for the road/bridge to reopen.&nbsp;

Plan an alternate route if you plan to travel in the area.&nbsp;

READ MORE<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3969fc82-b07d-4d4e-885d-fe75a7799560">:&nbsp;🎥UPDATED: Severe weather coverage May 19 — Salina Airport reports 100 mph winds</a>

River bridge, road project south of Wilson closed indefinetly 

Cope Notes is a text message-based service that provides individuals with randomly timed messages that contain anything from psychology facts to exercises and journaling prompts. Every subscriber’s text sequence is unique so that no two users ever receive the same message at the same time. 

Each <a href="https://copenotes.com/">Cope Notes</a> text must first undergo a thorough review process by a panel of peer-support advocates and mental health professionals, in order to ensure that the messages will have a positive effect on the subscriber’s health. The ultimate goal of the service is to train the brain to disrupt negative thoughts and promote a more positive pattern of thinking.

"We believe in the importance of mental health. We want to ensure our residents have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and thriving," said Saline County Health Officer Jason Tiller. "In my own personal experience with Cope Notes, I have found that the right messages seem to come at exactly the right time. It was been an uplifting experience for me, and I am thrilled we get to continue this service to our residents."

In 2022, Saline County initially offered the service for free to 300 residents. Because of the overwhelming response and in an effort to provide the service to more Saline County residents, the program is being offered at a 50 percent discount, according to information from the county.

To sign up for Cope Notes, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001scLNLAEK27GI7j38iOkmbBLY7glKLN0Wy6uF_d-8TLam2TPUzrfQlc9LS5oNICbDRUIbIxFeAe9F9t_3cBzqfldl0v4T9wLfMfxV5qLVYcHiyw0WBSsZFYJWzG17ByUTXv2fd3MbRsZWmxNokDZI85TAvv_DybpQ8u3RGpTS-VoOBpVKw3mIuQf0KEWbdEz2&amp;c=e8h8gccDrdCcdY1GLzjAyWQ83iic1YREdFKlJQ0cHZXKLBBGRtWzSA==&amp;ch=qH131SvBWUOQqWkIzjrjNennoWrg5mcmyLAePutxO-lGfSWshstgHw==" target="_blank">this link&nbsp;</a>and enter code&nbsp;SACOHALF&nbsp;and your credit or debit card information.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Saline County continues to offer Cope Notes at 50-percent discount

Not seeing precipitation totals from your area after a rain or snow event? Consider becoming a CoCoRaHS volunteer.

"CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications," the organization noted on its website.

After rain, hail, or snow storms, CoCoRaHS volunteers take precipitation measurements. Those totals are then recorded on the CoCoRaHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">website</a>&nbsp;(Kansas reporting).

The precipitation totals are used by various organizations and individuals, including the National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, insurance adjusters, farmers and ranchers, and, of course, Salina Post.

For more information about CoCoRaHS and its March recruiting efforts or to sign up as a CoCoRaHS volunteer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/marchmadness.aspx">click here</a>.

Precipitation reporting organization seeks local, area volunteers

By ROSARIO MENDEZ Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

What’s worse than a bogus charity? A bogus charity with a dishonest fundraiser. The FTC has sued and stopped dishonest charity fundraisers that&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/spot-and-stop-dishonest-charity-fundraisers">called people</a>&nbsp;to get them to donate to fake charities. Some prey on your kindness and desire to help people impacted by weather emergencies or a disaster. But when you get a call from a charity fundraiser, how do you know the caller is telling you the truth?

Ask the caller specific questions.

What is the charity’s name, phone number, or address? Write these down so you can confirm them later. Keep in mind that many charity names sound alike, and that sham charities often use names that are sound and look like names of legitimate charities.

How much of your donation will go directly to the programs you want to support?

Will your donation be tax-deductible? Not every call seeking a donation is from a charity. Some calls might be from Political Action Committees or other groups where donations are not deductible. See more questions to ask here.

Resist the pressure to donate on the spot.

After you’ve listened to the caller, hang up the phone and think about what they said. Then, go online and do your own research:

Search for the organization’s name and phone number, plus the word “scam” or “complaint.” What you find might help you decide if you want to make that donation.

Look up the organization’s name and address. Does it show up? If it doesn’t, that could be a sign the caller was lying to you.

See what these rating organizations say about the charity: BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and Candid.

If you get a donation request in the mail, do some research online before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you get a donation request in the mail,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/charity">do some research online</a>&nbsp;before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/www.reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: How to spot and stop dishonest charity fundraisers

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet services, there are programs to help you stay connected.

During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in encouraging those in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.&nbsp; Both programs help low-income individuals and families stay connected so they can access health care, attend classes, find employment, and call for help in an emergency.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. Seven million Americans currently benefit from the program, including approximately 30,000 Kansans.

The Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Plan&nbsp; provides a monthly internet service discount of up to $30 and a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. According to FCC data, more than 20 million U.S. households are currently enrolled, including approximately 120,000 in Kansas.

Eligibility&nbsp;is based on income&nbsp;(at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline and at or below 200% for Affordable Connectivity Plan)&nbsp;or participation in certain assistance programs&nbsp;such as:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) •&nbsp; Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) •&nbsp; Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA) •&nbsp; Veterans Pensions &amp; Survivors Pension Benefit •&nbsp; Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance •&nbsp; Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families •&nbsp; Head Start Tribal Programs (income based) •&nbsp; Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline is automatically eligible to participate in Affordable Connectivity Plan. Others may still qualify for the plan if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including the&nbsp;USDA Community Eligibility Provision.&nbsp; • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.&nbsp; • Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.&nbsp;

Due to higher income maximums, Affordable Connectivity Plan  also has the potential to help families that may not qualify for other types of assistance. The maximum income for a family of four to qualify for the&nbsp; program is&nbsp;$60,000 per year compared to $40,500 for Lifeline. Both Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Plan offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YvdGVsZWNvbW11bmljYXRpb25zL2xpZmVsaW5lP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTEuODIzOTEwMjEifQ.SgutPMf7jc8B89ZmFqxVxA5ZBkjKYdszBMiWwbYC7oo/s/1510803030/br/225606126077-l" target="_blank">KCC’s website</a>.

Plans available to help Kansans unable to pay for phone, internet services stay connected

Children in the community have a great chance to discover their "wild side" with three summer camps the Rolling Hills Zoo will host this summer.

According to the zoo, the three camps&nbsp;"Junior Zoo Keeper Camp," "Safari Explorer Summer Camp"&nbsp; and "Guardian &amp; Me Camp" will all start this summer with different dates and times.

"Junior Zoo Keeper," will kickoff the summer camps on&nbsp;Tuesday, May 27th - Friday, May 30th from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm. This camp is for children ages 13-17 and it will include T-Shirts, lunch and a variety of interactive lessons provided by Rolling Hills Zoo Keepers &amp; other staff. The camp will allow teens to learn the different aspects of being a zookeeper.&nbsp; Cost is $135 per person for members and $140 per person for non-members.

"Safari Explorer Summer Camp," will start on Tuesday, June 3rd - Friday, July 18th from&nbsp;9:00 am - 11:30 am for Kinder -&nbsp;3rd Grade and&nbsp;1:00 pm - 4:00 pm for&nbsp;4th Grade - 7th Grade. Cost is&nbsp;$25/Single Day or $90/Tuesday - Friday for members and&nbsp;$30/Single Day or $110/Tuesday - Friday for non-members. This camp will include animal showings, games/crafts, interactive activities, tours of the Zoo and Wildlife Museum. Snacks will be&nbsp; provided daily.

"Guardian &amp; Me Camp," will occur on select days of&nbsp;Tuesdays &amp; Fridays throughout the summer. Each day will start at 9:00 am - 11:00 am, which includes&nbsp;admission to Wildlife Museum, animal encounters, short lessons, story time, crafts and snacks. This camp is only for 4-year olds, as parents and guardians can&nbsp;register themselves along with their 4-year old to attend. Cost is&nbsp;$25/child &amp; adult for members and&nbsp;$30/child &amp; adult for non-members.

To register now and for more information go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/education/summer-camps#SummerCamps">https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/education/summer-camps#SummerCamps</a>

Rolling Hills Zoo bringing the "wild side" with three summer camps for children

One man walks out of the hospital, but could be charged after a crash that occurred in Salina.

According to Police Captain Mike Miller on Thursday, May 15th at 5:15 pm, two Salina men crashed into each on the 800 block of Centennial road near Republic. 

Allegedly, a 2000 Ford F250 driven by 42-year old Robert Jensen, was going northbound on Centennial and a 2003 Chevy Impala driven by 31-year old Michael Gamache was traveling southbound on the road.

Jensen's vehicle then experienced a tire blowout, which caused him to go into the center lane and crashed head-on into Gamache. Both drivers went into a ditch.

Authorities responded to the scene and transported Gamache to Salina Regional Health Center for injuries he suffered. Jensen did not need any medical treatment.

Captain Miller stated that Gamache was released from the hospital that same day, but could be charged with a DUI.

Salina man walks out of hospital after a two-vehicle crash, police investigating DUI charge

Salina police are searching for a male suspect who threatened a man with a gun at a Salina residence.

According to Police Captain Mike Miller on Thursday, May 15th, a 50-year old male victim arrived to his home on 600 N. 7th St. at around 7:00 pm. 

Allegedly, the victim noticed his female family member and two other males he did not know were at the home.&nbsp;Captain Miller stated the victim's family member does not live him.

One of the men then pulled out a handgun and threatened the victim. Afterwards, the woman and the men left the house. 

The victim then called police about the incident and told officers the first name of the suspect that threatened him.&nbsp;

Salina police are actively searching for the suspect.

Salina police are searching for a suspect who threatened a man with a gun

A 12-year old boy was charged by police, after he attacked a preteen aged boy at a Salina elementary school playground.

According to Police Captain Mike Miller on Wednesday, May 14th at around 7:00 pm, three male preteens (aged 8-11) were playing at the Heusner elementary playground. Allegedly, a 12-year old boy around the area approached the three and started to disturb them.

The three boys then started to walk away from the boy, but he began following them. After some time, the trio returned back to the playground and the 12-year old then approached one of the three boys and began attacking him.

The 12-year old knocked the boy down and the other two preteens came over to help. According to Captain Miller, the 12-year old boy was taken to Salina Regional Health Center after the incident.

Salina Police say, officers visited with the 12-year old and his parents at the hospital. 

After the visit, police charged the boy with a "notice to Comply" (NTC). This means the boy is obligated to appear in court, which is similar to a "Notice to Appear" (NTA).

Adolescent aged boy attacks preteen at a Salina elementary school playground

A 63-year old man was transported to the hospital after crashing into a turkey vulture on a rural Saline County road.

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, on Thursday, May 15th Anthony Shafer was riding his green 2003 Kawasaki dirtbike on 5000 S. Burma Rd., near Lindsborg.

As Shafer was going southbound on Burma, a turkey vulture got in front of him on the road. Shafer could not avoid and hit the vulture, which caused him to lose control and fall off the bike.&nbsp;

Shafer suffered injuries to his wrist and ankle. He reported to deputies about the accident and upon arrival, Shafer was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center for his injuries.

Biker hospitalized after hitting a turkey vulture on a rural Saline County road

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear (3 counts)

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Stalking; Misd unknown circumstance; Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 16

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Thursday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chrysler 200 driven by Nathaniel B.&nbsp;Dold, 18, Sterling, was eastbound on Kansas 156 approximately three mile northeast of Ellsworth.&nbsp;The car crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2021 Peterbilt semi driven by Noel J.&nbsp;Schilling, 58, Morrill.

Dold was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Parsons Funeral Home. EMS transported&nbsp;Schilling to the Ellsworth County Hospital. Dold was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen dies after crash with a semi

DICKINSON COUNTY — A small earthquake shook central Kansas Thursday afternoon.

Just after 4:30p.m., a quake measuring a magnitude 3.6 rattled portions of rural Dickinson County three miles northwest of Herington, according to the U.S. Geological Survey&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Dickinson County Sheriff's office had no information on reports of damage or injury.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Small earthquake reported in central Kansas

Two Salina South and Kansas Wesleyan graduates that have stayed together through thick and thin, have made strides and continue to do so as they will impact society in their future careers.

Salina natives Q. Hill (Herman Hill IV) and A.J. Johnson (Arlander Johnson IV) will both be receiving their Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology and Social Work at KWU. The pair have been close friends and teammates since high school, and are both preparing to pursue graduate school.

Hill and Johnson are both 22-years old who have defied the odds and marked a milestone not only for themselves, but for the broader community they represent. The significance of them receiving their degrees at 22, places them ahead of national averages for Black men and is a testament to their resilience and determination.&nbsp;Their accomplishment is significant when viewed in a national context.

According to Salina South High School Counselor Heather Smith, only 22.8% of Black men aged 25 and older in the United States have earned at least a Bachelor’s degree. Reaching that milestone by age 22 not only places them ahead of the curve, but also highlights the promise and potential of Salina’s youth. 

"Their journey from the hallways of Salina South to the classrooms of KWU and now toward graduate study, exemplifies the power of perseverance, friendship and community," said Salina South Counselor Heather Smith. "This is testament for all young Black men that they can be successful too."

Hill and Johnson have stayed connected with each other since high school. Both played football and ran track at South, where they formed a close relationship that continued to grow over the years.

After they graduated high school, both took different routes as Johnson attended Hutchinson Community College and Hill to Butler Community College. Despite the distance, both kept in contact and consistently encouraged each other through difficult times.

Once their juco years were completed, both reunited at KWU with Hill and Johnson running for the track team. After some time at KWU, both men decided to focus on school, as their main goal is to become licensed therapists.

Smith is the mother of Hill and stated that it has been a pleasure watching both of them grow.

"I am extremely proud of their growth and maturity. Their bond is special and they are great, respectable young men, who I say that anyone they have came across with will speak highly of them. They have a heart for people and want to make a difference in this world," said Smith.

“You have to be better, not bitter in life,” said Hill (a phrase his grandmother often told him growing up). “No matter what you go through, don't let your problems keep you down.&nbsp; That mindset and God got me to this point.”

"For a long time, I was only seen for what I could do and not for who I was. This degree is proof that my value goes way beyond performance," said Johnson.

This Saturday, May 17th Hill and Johnson will walk across the stage side by side at the KWU graduation ceremony.

Hill will attend Kansas University for grad school, where he will study in social work.&nbsp;

Johnson will pursue his graduate degree in social work as well. His place of study is undetermined, having only 1 year for grad school due to advanced standing.

Two Salina natives and college grads making an impact on society

The wait is over! Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park will officially open on Tuesday, May 27th at 12:30 pm for the summer season.

According to the City of Salina, people can start to purchase memberships at the Salina Parks and Recreation office on 300 W. Ash St., inside room #100.&nbsp;

Seasonal memberships are still available for purchase and group memberships are accessible for 5 people. These group memberships cost $310 and can be purchased as a 2 adult, 3 children or 1 adult, 4 children. You can always coordinate how you want to purchase your membership as well.

You can also purchase up to 3 additional youth memberships for $55 per child.

*For more information see the flyer above.*

Kenwood Cove opening this month for the 2025 summer season

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Sacred Heart baseball team steamrolled through the opening round of this year’s TMP regional, rolling Republic County 15-0 in just four innings to advance to the semifinals.

The Knights wasted no time opening up the scoring, with the first seven members of its lineup all reaching base safely, scoring nine runs in the bottom of the first.

In the second, Sacred Heart picked up right where they left off, adding four more and batting around the order for a second time.

Republic County would quiet the bats in the third inning but in the bottom of the fourth, Leon Rowe delivered an RBI single that made it 15-0 and officially triggered the mercy rule.

All nine members of the Sacred Heart lineup reached base at least once, seven members recorded at least one hit and six drove in two or more runs.

Rowe was chief among that group, driving in four runs on a perfect 4-4 day at the plate.

Graham Armstrong matched Rowe’s pace, plating four runs of his own on a pair of big hits.

On the mound, Cayson Ivey took over for Maddox Wells in the second inning and tossed a masterpiece, recording all nine outs via the strikeout and allowing just one runner to reach base on an error.

With this win, the Knights (18-7) are through to the second round to face Ellis (16-8) at 4:00 on May 21st.

Republic County’s season draws to a close at 2-21.

⚾️ Sacred Heart routs Republic County to advance to regional semis

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added a frontcourt piece to the 2025-26 roster, as Jenessa Cotton has signed with the Wildcats.

White, a 6’2” forward from Orange, California, played her first collegiate season in 2024-25 at Duke. She saw action in eight games with 44 minutes played. Cotton carded eight points (1.0 ppg) on a .286 field goal percentage (4-of-14), hauled in six rebounds (0.8 rpg), dished out two assists and blocked two shots.

She made her collegiate debut against K-State on November 25 in Henderson, Nevada. In the following game against Oklahoma, she played a season-high 13 minutes and scored a season-high four points and hauled in a season-high three rebounds.

In her high school career at Mater Dei High School, ranked 80th in the nation in the espnW Top 100 for the class of 2024 and was a four-star prospect and an Elite 150 member by Prospects Nation. She was the 2024&nbsp;Orange County Register&nbsp;Player of the Year and 2024 Trinity League MVP by averaging 17.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.9 steals while leading Mater Dei to a 25-8 overall record and the CIF-SS semifinals. She was a two-time CIF All-Trinity League First Team selection (2023, 2024).

In her junior season, she averaged 12.4 points and 6.1 boards while helping Mater Dei to the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs. She was named a 2023 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Second Team, a 2023&nbsp;Orange County Register&nbsp;Girls Basketball First Team and a 2023 All-CIF SS Open Division First Team. In her sophomore season, she was a 2022 CIF All-Trinity League Second Team honoree.

K-State concluded the 2024-25 season ranked 13th&nbsp;in the Associated Press poll and 15th&nbsp;in the USA Today Coaches poll and were ranked in both polls for the entirety of the season. The Wildcats achieved the 19th&nbsp;NCAA Tournament bid and the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. K-State registered the second-most wins in a season in school history with 28 and tied for the second-most wins in a two-season span (54).

K-State Adds Cotton to the 2025-26 Roster

UPLAND, Ind. - Kansas Wesleyan Baseball saw its season come to a close on Thursday as the Coyotes dropped a pair of games to the Grand View Vikings in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round at Taylor University.

Grand View claimed the first game of the championship series 5-3, then booked their trip to the AVISTA NAIA World Series with a 16-2 win in the second game.

In the first game, the Coyotes had a 2-0 lead in the third inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85a35b67-90e8-42d9-a48e-7b9d4238cf60?elinkdata=26769">Coulson Riggs</a> walked and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60723260-f3df-452d-99a2-0878e03c213e?elinkdata=26769">Jacob Williamson</a> smashed a 2-run homer to give the Coyotes the lead.

The score stayed the same until the bottom of the sixth inning when Grand View hit a 3-run home run to take a 3-2 lead.

In the seventh, the Vikings added two more runs taking advantage of an error by the Coyotes in the inning.

The Coyotes tried to rally in the ninth as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76fb963d-60d6-4fe4-9bae-fcd3e33c45b6?elinkdata=26769">Joe Finder</a> homered and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cf02f77c-97bf-4f7b-986b-331cc2724aa9?elinkdata=26769">Blake Dale</a> followed with a double to bring the tying run to the plate. KWU could not push another run across and dropped the first championship game 5-3.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85a1ea67-7dd9-4946-80e4-354ca5f84f14?elinkdata=26769">Riley Gwin</a> took the loss allowing two runs on three hits in an inning of work. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/498c68e7-2483-4419-9a48-cf309bfd9e30?elinkdata=26769">Shaw Lee</a> went five and a third innings, allowing two runs on four hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eb56a0c7-07e8-4f81-a5c4-e4ad39dfec19?elinkdata=26769">Tyler Favretto</a> had two hits for the Coyotes.

After a short break, the teams met again for the winner-take-all game.

Grand View took an early lead in the top of the second with a homerun, but in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes tied things up on another solo homer by Finder.

The Vikings took control of the game in the top of the third, scoring six runs to take a 7-1 lead.

Grand View added another run in the fourth and then added five more in the fifth to extend the lead.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c07b61db-c0b4-4bc6-9a0a-aab6b2b0f137?elinkdata=26769">Eric Romero</a> hit his first homerun of the season in the bottom of the seventh but it wasn't enough to spark a rally for the Coyotes.

Ruvalcaba, Finder, Dale,all had two hits for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0522a709-812c-4bb1-9a93-1a8d2ddc0ae6?elinkdata=26769">Brett Maddock</a> suffered the loss allowing seven runs on seven hits in two and two-thirds innings.

⚾️ Coyotes see season come to end at NAIA Opening Round

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Chase Driscoll, an assistant coach at North Florida the past four years, has been hired as the Director of Video and Analytics by head coach Jerome Tang on Thursday morning (May 15).

Driscoll, who started his new job on Tuesday, is the second hire made by Tang this offseason following the arrival of new assistant coach Bill Peterson on April 29.

“I’m fired up to bring Chase Driscoll on board as our new video coordinator,” said Tang. “His eye for detail, passion for the game, and work ethic make him a huge asset to our program. I can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have on our preparation, player development, and overall success.”

Driscoll arrives at K-State after a four-year stint (2021-25) at his alma mater North Florida, where he served as an assistant coach and director of operations for his father, Matthew Driscoll, who is both the UNF and Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) all-time winningest coach with 248 career victories.

His father, Matthew, coached alongside Tang for six seasons (2003-09) at Baylor as an original member of head coach Scott Drew’s coaching staff prior to becoming head coach at UNF.

The younger Driscoll helped lead the Ospreys to 56 wins, including 33 in ASUN play, the last four seasons (2021-25) with a 16-16 record in 2023-24 and a 15-17 record in 2024-25. This past season, the squad made national noise with road victories at South Carolina and Georgia Tech.

In addition, Driscoll assisted in the development of three all-conference selections in Carter Hendrickson, Jose Placer and Chaz Lanier while at UNF. Hendricksen scored more than 1,600 career points in his Osprey career en route to earning All-ASUN honors three times. Placer averaged more than 14 points per game in three seasons before transferring to South Florida in 2023-24. Lanier was a First Team All-ASUN pick in 2023-24 before becoming a Third Team All-American, the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award winner and the SEC Newcomer of the Year in his lone season at Tennessee in 2024-25.

"I'm incredibly honored to join the Kansas State men's basketball program and grateful to Coach Tang for the chance to be a part of his winning culture built on hard work and accountability,” said Driscoll. “I’m excited for the opportunity to live life with the staff and the people of Manhattan. I am looking forward to helping our team prepare, compete, and win at the highest level. Ready to get to work!"

Driscoll returned to his alma mater in 2021 after a one-year stint (2020-21) as an assistant coach and developmental head coach at Webber International, an NAIA program based in Babson Park, Fla., for interim head coach Gabriel Rutledge. Dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 season, he helped coach a pair of Second Team All-Sun Conference selections in Rasheem Etienne and Jaylon Myles.

Driscoll began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Oral Roberts during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons for current Wichita State head coach Paul Mills. He helped lay the foundation for a Golden Eagles team that advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2021, as the squad went from 11 wins in Driscoll’s first season in 2018-19 to 17 and a berth in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) in year two in 2019-20.

Driscoll has helped develop eight all-conference players during his young coaching career, including Emmanuel Nzekwesi, Kevin Obanor and Deondre Burns at ORU, Rasheem Etienne and Jaylon Myles at Webber International and Carter Hendricksen, Jose Placer and Chaz Lanier at UNF. In addition, Nzekwesi (2016-17) and Obanor (2018-19) were both Summit League Rookies of the Year with the Golden Eagles.

Driscoll was part of 74 wins and a pair of Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) regular-season championships (2015, 2016) during his four-year playing career (2014-18) at UNF.

Prior to his playing career at UNF, Driscoll was a standout at Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Fla., where he helped the Crusaders to back-to-back district titles in 2013 and 2014 and a State Final Four appearance during his junior season in 2013.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Driscoll earned his bachelor's degree in Athletic and Education Leadership from North Florida in 2018 before obtaining a Master’s in Science, Sports and Leisure Administration from Oral Roberts in 2020.

Coaching Experience Graduate Assistant Coach, Oral Roberts, 2018-20 Assistant Coach, Webber International, 2020-21 Assistant Coach/Director of Operations, North Florida, 2021-25 Director of Men’s Basketball Video and Analytics, 2025-present

Playing Experience North Florida, 2014-18 Education Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic and Education Leadership, North Florida, 2018 Master’s in Science, Sports and Leisure Administration, Oral Roberts, 2020

Driscoll Named Director of Video and Analytics

HOUSTON (AP) — Jeremy Peña had a season-high four hits, capped by a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning, to give the Houston Astros a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

The Astros trailed by 1 when Zach Dezenzo singled with one out in the eighth and was lifted for pinch-runner Chas McCormick. Mauricio Dubón’s second double of the game dropped into the left field corner and scored McCormick, tying the game and chasing Michael Lorenzen (3-4).

Carlos Estévez took over and Peña lined his third pitch into left field, sending Dubón home and putting the Astros on top.

Josh Hader walked one in a scoreless ninth for his 10th save after Bryan King (1-0) threw a scoreless eighth for the win.

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