HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the elementary students at Central Christian School filed&nbsp;into the schools commons, each carried a brightly colored shoebox packed for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse.&nbsp; They packed the shoebox gifts, filled with school supplies, personal care items, and fun toys, for children in need around the world as a tangible expression of God's love for them.&nbsp; Holding their boxes tightly the children prayed together for the child who would&nbsp;receive their box and for the safety of the volunteers who would deliver them, often to hard to reach places.&nbsp; Many hands went up when asked how the&nbsp;shoebox gifts might be delivered.&nbsp; On the backs of elephants, by boat, motorcycles, and by camels were just some of the correct answers.&nbsp;

"This is a day of joy," said elementary principal Judy Parsons, and the joy was evident on each face as they stacked the boxes on a table, counting each one, until they reached the last box - number 95, followed by excited applause.&nbsp; Mrs. Parsons assured them there were a few more coming in to help them reach their goal of 100 boxes.&nbsp; Students at Central Christian&nbsp; have been participating in the project for over 20 years.&nbsp; It's become a holiday tradition that students look forward to.

Local volunteers hope to collect over 31,000 shoebox gifts from the Hutchinson / Wichita area to contribute to a nationwide goal of over 12 million.&nbsp; It's not too late to pack a shoebox.&nbsp; National Collection Week is November 18 - 25.&nbsp; Hutchinson has two drop-off locations open as well as drop-offs in McPherson, Salina, Newton, St. John &amp; Lyons to name a few.&nbsp; You can find more information about how to pack a shoebox and the drop-off location nearest you at&nbsp;<a href="http://samaritanspurse.org/occ" target="_blank">samaritanspurse.org/occ</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

CCS students give to Operation Christmas Child

The National Weather Service in Wichita KS has issued a Flood 
Warning for the following rivers in Kansas...

  Cow Creek near Hutchinson affecting Rice and Reno Counties.&nbsp;

Do not drive into flooded areas or go around barricades. Nearly two feet of water will carry most vehicles away. Turn around, don't drown.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT TO EARLY FRIDAY MORNING...

* WHEN...From late tonight to early Friday morning.

* IMPACTS...At 9.5 feet, Fields and cropland along the creek floods. 

  Sections of Sallee Rd floods between 82nd Ave to 108th Ave. Also   95th Ave floods between Dean and Sallee Roads. Expect road   closures.

  - At 12:15 PM CST Wednesday the stage was 9.1 feet.

  - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage

    late tonight to a crest of 9.6 feet tomorrow morning. It will    then fall below flood stage tomorrow afternoon.

Flood Warning issued for Reno and Rice Cos.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01)&nbsp;spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp;for the first time since Americans delivered an Election Day mandate by electing President Donald J. Trump and Republican majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.&nbsp;

During the speech, Rep. Mann laid out his vision for the 119th Congress, including the need to reduce and reprioritize federal spending, secure the border, end the weaponization of the federal government, and spur America’s economic growth.

Below are Mann's remarks, as prepared for delivery.

"Mr. Speaker, when I last spoke on this floor, I laid out the choice the country had before us. On November 5th, 2024, America made its choice loud and clear. America gave Washington, D.C. a mandate, endorsing the greatest political comeback in American history with the election of President Donald J. Trump as the 47th&nbsp;President of the United States and of Republican majorities in the House and Senate.

"Kansans in the Big First District rejected four more years of the chaos we have experienced with President Biden and Vice President Harris. They voted for a government that works for the people and makes their lives easier, not one that handcuffs them and their families with overreaching regulations. They voted for a government that enforces the law and seeks commonsense solutions, not open-border policies&nbsp;that put our national security at risk. They voted to reduce federal spending, to end the weaponization of the federal government once and for all, and for our future.

"When I came to Congress almost four years ago, America was strong. Our streets were safe, and our border was secure. House Republicans and President Trump had passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,&nbsp;putting more money in the pockets of American families and spurring economic growth that led to the strongest U.S. economy in decades. The Trump Administration had spearheaded historic trade&nbsp;agreements and peace agreements across the globe that kept America competitive and secure.

"Rather than capitalizing on that momentum and strength, the Biden-Harris Administration wasted four years pushing through partisan, trillion-dollar spending packages and using the federal government&nbsp;to air its grievances with the previous Administration.&nbsp;And America said no more.

"Mr. Speaker, those days are long gone. This House Republican majority, alongside President Trump and the incoming Senate Republican majority, are ready to restore American greatness and the American&nbsp;dream. We are committed to securing a future American families can feel optimistic about.

"When I ran for Congress, I promised to fight for agriculture and our conservative Kansas values. That commitment stands, and while there is a lot of work to do to get the nation back on track, I humbly&nbsp;accept that challenge. I am committed to working with my colleagues to unleash American energy and finally rein in energy prices that have crippled American families for the past four years. I will fight to make&nbsp;the 2017 tax cuts permanent and once again empower working- and middle-class families who have been strangled by the record-level inflation caused by Washington Democrat spending. I will work for commonsense policies that don’t empower the Mexican cartels or incentivize illegal immigration. Americans deserve an immigration system that makes it easier for people to come here legally and more&nbsp;difficult for people to come here illegally. That should not be controversial.

"The task before us is a big one, but I have never been more confident in our ability to deliver for America."

Mann speaks on House floor about Election Day mandate

Wesley Towers is a vibrant senior community located in a quiet neighborhood in northwest Hutchinson. We’re looking for a full-time Maintenance Technician that is responsible for maintaining the interior and exterior of all the buildings. The ideal candidate for this position would have a mechanical background and be able to maintain a high-quality of workmanship when performing job tasks with a strong ability to work with a team.

<a href="https://wesleytowers.com/jobs/maintenance-tech-full-time/">CLICK HERE TO APPLY!</a>

Responsibilities for Maintenance Tech:

Maintain heating/ac systems Complete a wide variety of daily maintenance requests Assist with refurbishing Preventive maintenance

Qualifications for Maintenance Tech:

Must have EPA Certification or be willing to obtain it upon hire. Must have basic knowledge of plumbing and electricity. Must be bondable, insurable and pass a complete background check. Must have a current Kansas Driver’s License and a good driving record. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Speak English clearly, understand written and oral instructions, write legibly, and read English; walk an average of five-to-six miles in average shift and be able to walk five flights of stairs; work with chemicals needed for painting, cleaning, and etc; push or pull equipment weighing up to 150 pounds; lift 30 pounds without assistance; climb a ladder to a height of 30 feet and work from that height; distinguish colors of fire panels, warning labels and lights; work with power tools and all hand tools for general maintenance; use manual and power snow removal equipment for a period of up to 10 hours; move furniture and equipment from one location to another (equipment may be provided depending on size/weight of object); respond to emergency needs of residents and staff; distinguish normal sounds while using the phone, walkie-talkie, or intercom when background noise is present; stoop, twist, bend, and squat to perform essential job functions; work while lying flat on back under equipment; work from a kneeling or squatting position; and remove and install air-conditioning units in the resident’s rooms.

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Wesley Towers is a 50-acre, vibrant retirement community nestled in a quiet neighborhood in northwest Hutchinson. We offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled home care. We currently have multiple positions available. Join our team TODAY!

<a href="https://wesleytowers.com/job-openings/">CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL JOB OPENINGS!</a>

Bluestem Communities among best nationally in long-term care

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Evergy is proud to join United Utilities Against Scams to recognize today as&nbsp;Utility Scam Awareness Day, Wednesday, November 20.

Scammers are becoming more deceptive thanks to technology. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports scammers used phone, in-person, and online tactics to cheat customers out of more than&nbsp;<a>$10 billion</a>&nbsp;nationwide last year.&nbsp;<a>That’s</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a>$2 billion</a>&nbsp;increase over the previous year. The&nbsp;<a>FTC</a>&nbsp;reports that email&nbsp;<a>scams</a>&nbsp;were the biggest contact method for scammers, especially when they pretended to be a business or government agency.

Recently, Evergy customers were targeted through scammers posing as Evergy employees claiming the company would offer discounts for immediate payments, as well as another&nbsp;<a>scam</a>&nbsp;where callers also posed as Evergy employees falsely claiming the utility was returning $200 to senior citizens through the Evergy’s Kansas Cares Fund.

Scammers also use fake websites, fake phone numbers, fake QR codes and more to steal money.

Evergy is urging customers to stay vigilant, know the signs of commonly attempted&nbsp;<a>scams</a>&nbsp;and ways to protect themselves:

If you have encountered suspicious activity or an attempted&nbsp;<a>scam</a>,&nbsp;call Evergy or report the&nbsp;<a>scam</a>&nbsp;immediately at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAda-2FgiVbCJSC3Ip4bi7CemSEaL555qeWcxDqaeencMbJrL2_h_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb1uU8oe9Q-2FmjsBXyV7ReokKkz6J4TzS8Vx5dqK0Tk3elXtdJahaMViWXE1K8BH5rkwxnntxzyGYCbIH7kpL3oY2kRqgs2vYA8zgMU4dCff5CAFVHVwZDioOhgd1CAwmzB-2FssXW-2BGvsgLAeUgjjzyqVo2Pie3KUsjcC3pSALXYbCMtIYOHImUJGzdxgrejaG0VXn5iW-2Fq1H-2BpxZimHbEau0YpE79rkxuMaDOqm7OEdB-2FDyNlEQhfslNI8wzJ-2B6gTaJdea67jSi41UDPY-2B-2Fp1HNZc3aUa7AqSvdPk9uPOpTvPyNe3STYnEwxQ7MpBvjK-2BmDwzzbt2La-2FGdlq-2BPurmjUqE-3D" target="_blank">www.evergy.com/reportscam</a>.&nbsp;Suspicious activity should also be reported to local law enforcement. More information about&nbsp;<a>scams</a>, including reporting fraudulent calls, can be&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2B2PJApc7cJkaegK2weGFjPzbIIC-2B-2Fz2wVqFZNqRWsCBXRvSN2qve4iAEJomygunrA-3D-3D-X2r_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb1uU8oe9Q-2FmjsBXyV7ReokKkz6J4TzS8Vx5dqK0Tk3elXtdJahaMViWXE1K8BH5rkwxnntxzyGYCbIH7kpL3oY2kRqgs2vYA8zgMU4dCff5CAFVHVwZDioOhgd1CAwmzB-2FssXW-2BGvsgLAeUgjjzyqVo2Pie3KUsjcC3pSALXYbCMtIYOHImUJGzdxgrejaG0VZZWvBAFyf1KGIuOmGWUA4cdgR0Kj343kj4lahpCO2jIqdq0-2FFpftxwg5Yjcmzd3DSgOZZ54XdnlGE5vpzso83HdSYVJXaGRuO3Mf8kAck0F44wFqozpBH-2BD2yn6A-2BiS1tUyDuL2DEPM9AtKbnPygcQ-3D" target="_blank">found here</a>.

Wednesday is Utility Scam Awareness Day

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to a social media post, the Family Community Theatre in Hutchinson is looking for a director for the production of M*A*S*H which will be on stage in July. 

If you have an interest in directing that show, please contact Craig Williams at <a href="mailto:cwilliams62@cox.net">cwilliams62@cox.net</a> or by telephone 620-727-7194.

FCT looking for director

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Feeding the hungry isn’t a job for just one church.

It takes a group of friends who believe that together we make a difference.

"This idea came from a poverty collaboration that took place seven years ago," said Beth Southern with the food drive. "Community churches have been sponsoring this multi faith Thanksgiving food drive ever since.

For the seventh consecutive year, there will be a Thanksgiving Food Drive with churches from across Hutchinson called “We’ll Leave Our Lights On.”

Sanctuary lights will shine in 20 Hutchinson churches on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

5. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

The churches are collecting nonperishable foods such as rice, pasta, canned soups, vegetables, fruits, peanut butter, cereals, and pancake mix.

The donated food may be brought to any participating church.

Food drive scheduled for Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of American Education Week, Hutchinson USD 308 brought some students from Hutchinson Community College over to Graber Elementary as part of their Educator for a Day this year.

"We had six students from HutchCC come over and tour Graber," said spokesperson Stacy Goss. They got a tour of the school. They met with the Mini Sweet Treat, which is just about to kick off at Graber."

Goss said she was impressed with the questions the college students asked the elementary kids.

"Those handful of students, I think there was about 15 students who participate, they give up their PE time or their recess time to participate in the Mini Sweet Treat and they're sitting there doing business plans," Goss said. "It's not like they're giving it up for something you would think is like really fun, but it's something that has piqued their interest and they're so excited about it."

USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson said one of the goals is to see those local students finish and come teach in Hutchinson Public Schools.

"Whether they start with us as a student teacher or a paraeducator and go on, we do really want to work with them and our human resource department and through Stacy and through me to say that this is the best place that you could work in the state of Kansas," Johnson said. "We want you to come back."

Find out more about Hutchinson Public Schools at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd308.com/">https://www.usd308.com/</a>.

308 Educator for a Day brings in future educators

LYONS, Kan. —&nbsp;Mayor Dustin Schultz and City Council members announced Monday the appointment of Troy Houtman to be the next City Administrator in Lyons. Mr. Houtman will succeed City Administrator Ed Truelove.

Houtman's career includes extensive management experience in local government for the past thirty years. He has served as the Director of Cultural Arts, Parks and Recreation for nearly ten years in the city of Wichita where he had oversight for a $42 million budget. Prior to this he held executive municipal leadership positions in San Antonio, Austin, and Santa Fe. His career as a leader has emphasized his people-oriented management skills and his efficient use of resources. His passion for local government and working with employees and citizens are assets he will bring to the city of Lyons. His track record in managing budgets, programs, infrastructure and maintenance, and acquiring grants and building partnerships will also serve the community well.

He has been recognized nationally as a gold medal finalist by the National Recreation and Parks Association and steered Wichita's 2019 All-American City winning campaign. His passion for community is evident in his volunteer efforts which includes work with Special Olympics, United Way, National Park and Recreation Association, Starkey, and as a former volunteer firefighter. He holds a master's in public administration from Texas State University, an accounting degree from University of Northern Colorado, and is a member of the ICMA (International City/County Managers Association). He also served as a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves.

According to Mr. Houtman, "My desire to move to a smaller community will allow me to use all my skills and abilities to ensure Lyons continues to thrive in a time of growth. I have been to Lyons many times and envision bringing new ideas while preserving the uniqueness of Lyons. Lyons has a strong foundation as a community and I want to be part of its future successes."

According to Mayor Schultz, the search process was very competitive with 28 applicants, and it was clear that candidates viewed Lyons as a community with a lot to offer and a great place to live. After an intensive interview process, resume screening, reference interviews and an extensive background check, Houtman was selected as the top candidate. 

"By unanimous decision the City Council selected Troy Houtman as our new City Administrator. He is a positive, visionary leader who works with people to make good things happen in communities. We found Troy's leadership and people skills were abundantly clear and his ability to work with citizens and employees to make Lyons a thriving community were qualities we saw in him as our next City Administrator."

Lyons announces new City Administrator

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On behalf&nbsp;of&nbsp;Reins of Hope Therapeutic Riding Program,&nbsp;we would like to thank you for your support&nbsp;of our program&nbsp;for the last 30 years! Yes, along with our Annual Jingle and Mingle Open House and Fund Raiser, we are celebrating our 30 Year Anniversary serving our community!&nbsp;&nbsp;Please plan to join us!

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.&nbsp; Open House and Silent Auction

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Catered BBQ Meal with drinks and dessert included (free will donations accepted)

Pictures with our “horse therapists” available.

Location:&nbsp;Reins of Hope,&nbsp;Roy Coffee Arena,&nbsp;2116 N. Obee Road, Hutchinson, KS

Reins of Hope is a&nbsp;Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship&nbsp;(PATH),&nbsp;certified&nbsp;therapeutic horseback riding program,&nbsp;that works to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Founded in 1994, we serve individuals with physical, mental, and emotional challenges of all ages.&nbsp;

For 30 years,&nbsp;God has blessed our program and&nbsp;we have never turned a participant away due to inability to pay. In fact, with the generous support of the community,&nbsp;we have never raised our rates. We charge&nbsp;just&nbsp;$5.00 for a 30-minute session&nbsp;–&nbsp;the same as the day we started. We believe that access to this life-giving therapy should be available to all who need it. &nbsp;

We appreciate&nbsp;past&nbsp;the&nbsp;support our community and supporters have given us.&nbsp; Thanks to you,&nbsp;we have been able to provide our students with professional, safe and targeted services to meet the individual needs of our learners.&nbsp;

We welcome&nbsp;your silent&nbsp;auction&nbsp;items, and monetary donations.&nbsp; If you are&nbsp;unable to attend,&nbsp;please mail&nbsp;your donation to:&nbsp;

Please call the center, (620) 665-0906 if you have questions or&nbsp;wish to donate items to the auction.&nbsp;

Reins of Hope to celebrate 30th next month

BLUE DRAGON MEN'S BASKETBALL Hutchinson (4-2, 0-0) at No. 1 Barton (5-0, 0-0) When: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Where: Barton Gym, Great Bend, KS Tipoff:&nbsp;7:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 7:15 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1575463" target="_blank">Cougar Sports Network (PPV)</a> X: @bluedragonsport

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/files/Game_7_-_Barton_men.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

For the third-straight meeting, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team will play Barton with the Cougars as the No. 1-ranked team in the NJCAA.

The Blue Dragons and Cougars will open the KJCCC season at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Barton Gym in Great Bend.

This is the first time Hutchinson and Barton open a conference season since the 1995-96 season.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 7:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Daren Dunn (Analyst) calling the action. The game will be streamed live on the Cougar Sports Network, which is pay-per-view.

Last season, the Blue Dragons dropped three games to Barton, which included a pair of battles with the Cougars as the No. 1 team in the nation, the final game in the Region 6 Tournament championship game. In fact, the Blue Dragons have lost a series-record six games in a row to Barton.

The Blue Dragons fell out of the NJCAA Top 25 this week after going 4-2 in the non-conference season. The Dragons are still receiving votes after NOC-Enid upset the Blue Dragons 75-69 on Saturday in the final game of the Barton Classic in Great Bend. The Blue Dragon shot a season-low 41.5 percent against the Jets, including 2 of 22 from 3-point range, just 1 of 15 from distance in the second half.

Still, the Dragons have put up overall strong numbers in Kyle Fisher's first six games as Hutchinson's head coach. The Dragons are averaging 86.2 points per game offensively while shooting 48.8 percent from the field. The Dragons are shooting 35.6 percent from the 3-point line.

Hutchinson has been balanced offensively with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/thornton_jaquez_fh4s">Jaquez Thornton</a>&nbsp;leading the team at 14.2 points per game while shooting 58.8 percent from the field. Five players are currently averaging in double figures for HutchCC. D.J. Dudley averages 11.3 points, Bo Aldridge is at 10.5 points,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/abdul-hamid_mikhail_7s9c">Mikhail Abdul-Hamid</a>&nbsp;is at 10.2 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/cannon_bobby_1l4l">Bobby Cannon</a>&nbsp;is at 10.0 points per game.

Barton (5-0) is the defending NJCAA National champions and is riding 32-game winning streak.

🏀 Hutch men open KJCCC play at No. 1 Barton

BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 1 Hutchinson (6-0, 0-0) at Barton (4-2, 0-0) When: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Where: Barton Gym, Great Bend, KS Tipoff: 5:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 5:15 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1575446" target="_blank">Cougar Sports Network (PPV)</a> X: @bluedragonsport

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_7_-_Barton_women.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

The No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team begins its 24-game Jayhawk Conference marathon Wednesday night with a road trip to play the Barton Cougars.

The Blue Dragons (6-0, 0-0 KJCCC) and Cougars (4-2, 0-0 KJCCC) will tip off at 5:30 p.m. at the Barton Gym in Great Bend.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Daren Dunn (Analyst) calling the action. The game will be streamed live on the Cougar Sports Network, which is pay-per-view.

Hutchinson completed its non-conference season 6-0 - after wins over the Kansas Wesleyan JV and Redlands last weekend at the Barton Classic - to extend its school-record winning streak to 43 games. The Blue Dragons have also won 28-straight regular-season KJCCC games dating back to the 2022-23 season.

The Blue Dragons enter the league season averaging 84.0 points per game while shooting 43.3 percent from the field. Hutchinson is allowing 53.2 points and 34.8 percent shooting.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/jackson_hailey_q6t6">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;leads the Blue Dragons in both scoring and rebounding at 17.8 points and 9.2 rebounds. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/katcher_brynne_qgrf">Brynne Katcher</a>&nbsp;is the only other Blue Dragon averaging in double figures at 10.7 points per game while shooting 53.7 percent from the field.

Barton opens its season with a pair of losses to No. 14 Odessa (66-63) and No. 3 New Mexico Junior College (86-38), but have reeled off four-straight wins since then. The Cougars defeated Redlands (87-60) and the Kansas Wesleyan JV (98-42) last week in the Barton Classic.

The Cougars are averaging 42.3 points offensively and 61.2 points defensively. Sophomore forward Vivian Onugha is averaging a double-double with 15.8 points and 13.8 rebounds per game.

The Blue Dragons will play their first two conference games on the road. Hutchinson travels to Goodland to play Fort Hays Tech Northwest at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday.

🏀 No. 1 HutchCC women open conference play at Barton

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro finished second in the MLB manager of the year voting as he led the boys in blue back to the postseason with a 30-win improvement over 2023.

⚾ Quatraro manager of year runner-up

A five-star girls basketball prospect has committed to Kansas. Jaliya Davis, who preps at Blue Valley North, made her announcement on Tuesday.

🏀 KS girls prep star commits to KU

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 15 points and 15 rebounds, Dajuan Harris Jr. scored 16 points, and No. 1 Kansas shrugged off a sluggish start to beat UNC Wilmington 84-66 on Tuesday night and give Jayhawks coach Bill Self his 800th career win.

David Coit added 13 points and Zeke Mayo had 10 for the Jayhawks (5-0), who led 43-38 at halftime before going on a 12-2 run to start the second half. They stretched the lead to 20 and coasted to their 18th straight nonconference home win.

The Jayhawks next face No. 12 Duke in the Vegas Showdown on Tuesday.

Khamari McGriff had 18 points and Noah Ross had 10 with nine boards for UNC Wilmington (4-1), which was picked to finish third in the Colonial Athletic Association after winning 21 games last season.

The Seahawks weren't intimidated by the 372nd straight sellout at Allen Fieldhouse. They beat Kentucky at Rupp Arena just last season. And while Kansas started the game with energy, UNC Wilmington matched it for the first 20 minutes. It wasn't until Harris led the Jayhawks' early second-half charge that they put the game away.

UNC Wilmington got just seven points from Donovan Newby. He had 20 in a recent win over USC Upstate.

Kansas lost freshman Flory Bidunga to an injury in the first half. He did not put any weight on his right leg as he was helped to the bench. He did not return. Bidunga's loss would be a big blow to the Jayhawks' interior depth.

Kansas roared out of halftime on the run that ultimately decided the game.

The Jayhawks won despite shooting 6 of 25 from 3-point range.

The Seahawks play Colgate on Nov. 27. The Jayhawks play the Blue Devils on Tuesday.

🏀 No. 1 KU beats UNC Wilmington to give Bill Self 800th career win

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ugonna Onyenso came off the bench to score 16 points in 12 minutes and Kansas State shook off a poor first half to beat Mississippi Valley State 74-56 on Tuesday night.

On a night the Wildcats (3-1) shot just 36%, Onyenso was 6 of 7 from the floor and made all four of his free throws. C.J. Jones scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half. David N’Guessan added 10 points while Coleman Hawkins, who was just 1-of-11 shooting with two points, grabbed 13 rebounds.

Arthur Tate scored 16 points and Antonio Sisk 15 for the Delta Devils (1-4).

The Wildcats led 25-23 at halftime, having been up by as many as 14, after shooting just 29% and 1 of 13 from 3-point range. They finished 3 of 23 from the arc but hit 25 of 27 free throws.

Brenden Hausen, averaging over 15 points a game for Kansas State, got his first points of the game and the Wildcats' first of the second half with a 3-pointer, and that started a 10-0 run. The lead reached 19 with seven minutes to go.

Mississippi Valley State made a final run to get within 10 but the Wildcats responded with nine straight points, the last four by N'Guessan, to push the lead back to 19.

In the first half, the Delta Devils got a pair of 3-pointers from Tate and five points from Donovan Sanders to outscore the Wildcats 16-4 over the final 4 1/2 minutes to tie before David Castillo's jumper at the end of the half gave the lead back to the Wildcats.

🏀 Onyenso sparks Kansas State in win over Mississippi Valley State

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today they selected left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Noah Cameron&nbsp;and right-handed pitchers&nbsp;Luinder Avila&nbsp;and&nbsp;Eric Cerantola. Kansas City’s Major League Reserve List is now at 37.

Cameron, 25, split last season between Double-A Northwest Arkansas (16 starts) and Triple-A Omaha (9), and went 7-6 with a 3.08 ERA (44 ER in 128.2 IP) and 149 strikeouts, pacing all Royals minor leaguers in strikeouts while finishing with the 3rd-lowest ERA. He was crowned the International League Pitcher of the Month in August after he combined to go 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA (6 ER in 31.2 IP) and 36 strikeouts across 5 starts (his first full month with Omaha). In three seasons with the Royals organization, he has pitched to a 3.97 ERA (133 ER in 301.2 IP) while striking out 380 batters (11.3 K/9, 29.9 K%) in 68 starts. A graduate of Central High School in St. Joseph, Mo., he was selected in the 7th round of the 2021 MLB Draft from the University of Central Arkansas, and signed by scout&nbsp;Matt Price.

Avila, 23, has spent each of his first six professional seasons in the Royals organization, reaching as high as Triple-A Omaha in 2024. The Venezuela native made 20 starts last season, including 19 at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, and combined to post a 4.14 ERA (40 ER in 87.0 IP) with 85 strikeouts (8.8 K/9, 22.4 K%). He was an Arizona Fall League Fall Star selection earlier this month after allowing 5 earned runs in 14.2 innings pitched (3.07 ERA) while striking out 17. The right hander owns a 4.48 lifetime ERA (208 ER in 418.0 IP) across 103 games (80 starts) since signing as an international free agent on March 3, 2018, by scouts&nbsp;José Figuera&nbsp;and&nbsp;Joelvis Gonzalez.

⚾ Royals select 3 players to 40-Man Roster

COLBY, Kan. – The final Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Football Player of the Week honors have been announced with Hutchinson’s Waymond Jordan Jr. (Offensive), Kedrick Walker (Defensive), and Butler’s Chevy Edwards (Special Teams) each earning the final awards of the season.

Offensive Player of the Week (Waymond Jordan Jr. - Hutchinson) -Waymond Jordan Jr., a sophomore running back from Pensacola, Florida, posted his eighth 100-yard rushing game of the season and jumped four spots on the Blue Dragon single-season rushing list to No. 7 in number two Hutchinson's 42-17 win over Garden City. For the game, Jordan rushed 22 times for 135 yards and one touchdown. Now with 1,332 yards for the season, the NJCAA's leading rusher moved into seventh place on the Blue Dragon single-season rushing list and is tied with Alvin Kamara for second in single-season rushing touchdowns with 18.

Defensive Player of the Week (Kedrick Walker - Hutchinson) –Sophomore linebacker Kedrick Walker had a career-high nine tackles in leading the number two ranked Blue Dragons defensively in a 42-17 victory over Garden City on Saturday. Walker had seven solo tackles and a key tackle on a Garden City fourth-down play in the first half with the game tied at 7-7.

Special Teams Player of the Week (Chevy Edwards - Butler) –Edwards finished with five punts in a 7-3 win over Iowa Central and had a 41.6-yard average. He had a long of 53 and put one punt inside the 20. He punted impressively despite wind gusts up to 25 mph throughout the game.&nbsp;

Other Offensive Players Nominated:None&nbsp;

Other Defensive Players Nominated:None&nbsp;

Other Special Teams Players Nominated: Kordell Gouldsby - Hutchinson

🏈 HutchCC's Jordan Jr., Walker named KJCCC Players of the Week

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State junior&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;was one of 10 running backs in the country – including four from the Big 12 – to be named a semifinalist for the 2024 Doak Walker Award, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Tuesday.

Giddens is the fourth player in school history to be named a semifinalist or finalist for the award that recognizes the top running back in college football. Darren Sproles was a finalist in 2003, while Daniel Thomas (2010) and Deuce Vaughn (2021 and 2022) were each semifinalists.

A product of Junction City, Kansas, Giddens has rushed for 1,128 yards and five touchdowns on 176 carries in addition to hauling in 18 catches for 219 yards and another score. He ranks eighth in the country in scrimmage yards per game (134.70), ninth in total rushing yards, 10th&nbsp;in all-purpose yards per game (134.70) and 15th&nbsp;in rushing yards per carry (6.41).

Giddens is the fourth player in school history to record multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining the aforementioned Sproles (2002, 2003, 2004), Thomas (2009, 2010) and Vaughn (2021, 2022). He ranks second in school history in single-season rushing yards per carry (6.41), sixth in rushing yards per game (112.8) and tied for eighth in 100-yard rushing games (6), while he is 98 rushing yards shy of entering the single-season top-10 list and 13 yards away from tying for fifth in school history among juniors.

Three finalists for the 2024 Doak Walker Award will be announced next Tuesday, and the winner will be unveiled live on ESPN during&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards&nbsp;on December 12. The formal presentation of the award will take place at the annual banquet scheduled for January 31, 2025.

Kansas State returns to action on Saturday when the Wildcats host Cincinnati inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Senior Night contest kicks off at 7 p.m., and will be shown on ESPN2.

🏈 K-State’s Giddens named semifinalist for Doak Walker Award

WICHITA, Kan. — Sometimes you just have to win ugly, and that's just what happened Monday night in Charles Koch Arena as Wichita State overcame its worst game of the season to complete a comeback win over Monmouth, 70-66.

Wichita State (4-0) was without starting center Quincy Ballard who missed the game with a sprained ankle, and Ronnie DeGray III got banged up in the first half, playing just eight minutes. Without two of its top rebounders, Wichita State was outrebounded by seven on the night, it largest margin of the season.

Eleven of Monmouth's 41 rebounds came on the offensive end.

Players not named Corey Washington were a combined 0-for-11 from three-point range. Washington scored a game-high 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting, 2-for-4 from three and 4-for-8 from the free throw line.

Entering the night Wichita State was shooting nearly 78 percent from the free throw line, but had its worst night of the season, going 20-for-31 (64.5 percent).

Harlond Beverly finished with 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals on 7-of-11 shooting. Matej Bosnjak made his first career start in place of Ballard and logged 12 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting. Xavier Bell was the lone Shocker not to miss a free throw, going 8-for-8. He finished with 12 points, five rebounds and four steals.

Justin Hill had an off night, missing all four of his three-point attempts and 8-of-12 field goals overall. He still managed to reach double figures with 11 and five assists.

From the opening tip the Shockers just seemed flat, falling behind 9-3 right out of the gates. They would settle in briefly to take a 15-11 lead with 12:06 remaining, but would not make a field goal for nearly 11 minutes. A Beverly layup with 1:14 to go in the half tied the score at 28-28 to snap the field goal drought.

On the next offensive possession, Hill and Beverly connected on the first of two alley-oops on the night to go up by one with 33 seconds left. Monmouth, however, would come right down and hit a jumper in the paint to give the Hawks a 31-30 lead at halftime.

Monmouth would carry that momentum into the second half, extending its lead to seven at the 14:34 mark.

The Hawks led for a majority of the half until back-to-back dunks from Beverly and Washington gave Wichita State its first lead with 4:39 to go. That lead quickly disappeared behind four straight from the Hawks to take a 58-56 lead.

Finally Washington's second triple of the night broke a 59-59 tie and just 1:39 on the clock, giving the Shockers a lead that they would not surrender. Washington pushed the margin to five on a breakaway dunk just 30 seconds later and Bosnjak made it a 65-59 game on a pair of free throws.

Monmouth splashed in a three-pointer with 26 seconds left, but Wichita State converted at the line to ice the game in the final seconds.

Wichita State heads to Kansas City for the Hall of Fame Classic where they will face Saint Louis on Friday, Nov. 22 at 9:30 p.m. on Peacock.

🏀 Shocker men win Monday

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas robbery and have released details on a suspect.

Just before 8p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 1200 block of East Santa Fe Street in reference to a robbery that just occurred, according to&nbsp;Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

It was reported that an unknown suspect entered the business, obtained money from the register, then ran from the scene. A thorough neighborhood search was conducted with negative contact with the suspect.

The suspect was described as an adult white male with blue eyes, wearing a grey hoodie, black mask, black puffy coat, jeans and dark shoes. The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise. No weapon was seen during this incident and no reported injuries.

Police: Man in a mask took cash from register at Kan. business 

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22CHRISTINA%20A.%20CASSIDY,%20JOHN%20HANNA%20and%20AMY%20BETH%20HANSON%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY, JOHN HANNA and AMY BETH HANSON Associated Press</a>

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Terry Thompson had an election to run for voters in Cascade County, Montana. Why then, she thought, was her office in Great Falls being sent mailed ballots completed by voters in places such as Wasilla, Alaska, Vancouver, Washington, and Tampa, Florida?

It was only about a dozen ballots total from voters in other states. But she said it still raised concerns about the ability of the U.S. Postal Service to deliver election mail and whether the errant ballots would ever be counted.

“I mean, I would have had to been doing FedEx overnight envelopes to all these states to try to get them where they needed to go,” said Thompson, the county's election administrator.

She received about a half dozen others that should have gone to county election offices in other parts of Montana. For those, she said she “just had to hope and pray” they made it back on time.

While a stray ballot ending up in the wrong place can happen during election season, the number of ballots destined for other states and counties that ended up at Thompson's office is unusual. The Associated Press found it wasn't an anomaly. Election offices in California, Louisiana, New Mexico and elsewhere also reported receiving completed ballots in the mail that should have gone to other states.

To some election officials, it confirms concerns they raised before the Nov. 5 presidential election about the U.S. Postal Service's performance and ability to handle a crush of mail ballots, as early voting has become increasingly popular with voters.

State election officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-mail-ballots-voting-postal-service-985dd6e483fb6dc593d83255b11a9d0a">warned</a>&nbsp;in September that problems with the nation’s mail delivery system threatened to disenfranchise voters in the upcoming presidential election. In a letter to U.S. Postmaster General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/louis-dejoy">Louis DeJoy</a>, the election officials noted problems during the primaries that included mailed ballots postmarked on time but received too late be counted and instances of properly addressed election mail returned as undeliverable.

In Louisiana, state election officials said some 40 to 50 ballots destined for 10 other states ended up being delivered to local election offices, mostly in Orleans Parish. Deputy Secretary of State Joel Watson Jr. said the Secretary of State’s Office had “extraordinary frustration” for the Postal Service’s continued “inconsistencies” and “lack of accountability.”

Dozens of mail ballots from inside the state also were delivered to the wrong local election office, Watson said.

“There were many instances where our staff had to physically take these ballots and drive them to another parish to get them there on time to make sure those votes count,” Watson said. “We had to use time and resources in the hours and days immediately preceding the biggest election we hold to make sure these ballots were delivered to the right places.”

Louisiana law does not permit ballot drop boxes, and Watson indicated his office does not support moving in that direction and would continue to encourage voters to cast their ballots in person. He cited security concerns such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vote-ballot-drop-box-democracy-fire-f66c52f774955106fb9e7c8172825cff">arson attacks</a>&nbsp;on drop boxes in Washington and Oregon ahead of the Nov. 5 election in which ballots were damaged.

The U.S. Postal Service said in a statement that it had been working closely with local election officials to resolve concerns, but did not address specific questions regarding the misdirected ballots.

“The United States Postal Service is fully committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process when policy makers choose to utilize us as a part of their election system, and to delivering election mail in a timely manner,” Rod Spurgeon, a USPS spokesman, said in an email.

In New Mexico’s Santa Fe County, County Clerk Katharine Clark said seven ballots bound for her office were sent instead to Los Angeles County in Southern California. Those ballots were redirected, Clark said, but did not arrive at her office before the state’s deadline to be counted, which is 7 p.m. on Election Day.

“It does mean that person got denied the right to vote, because the ballots from Los Angeles County -- even though they were sent (to Santa Fe) with a four- or five-day lead time -- they didn’t get to us in time to count,” she said.

In addition, Clark said her office received two ballots destined for Los Angeles County and one for Maricopa County in Arizona that she sent back to the U.S. Postal Service. Nine ballots should have been delivered to other counties within New Mexico.

In addition to the Santa Fe County ballots, Los Angeles County election officials said they also received two ballots that should have been mailed to Torrance County, New Mexico. That county's clerk, Linda Jaramillo, said she did not recall receiving the ballots from Los Angeles County but expressed faith in the nation's mail service.

“There’s going to be a few,” Jaramillo said. "You can’t have perfection.”

The California Secretary of State’s office said about 150 mail ballots from Oregon voters were misdirected to California before being sent back. Officials at the state election office in Springfield, Illinois, somehow ended up with a ballot intended for Massachusetts.

“Yeah, I have no idea how that happens,” said Matt Dietrich, spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Amy Cohen, executive director of the National Association of State Election Directors, called the incidents “disappointing and heartbreaking."

“Election officials don’t ever want to see misdelivered ballots, but it does happen for variety of reasons, not all of which are USPS’s fault,” Cohen said, noting that voters can sometimes forget to use the outer envelope that contains important address information.

But Cohen said the examples from this past presidential election seem to reflect the issues that election officials had been worried about since 2023 and were highlighted in their September letter to U.S. Postal Service leadership.

“We hope they will get to the bottom of what went wrong to prevent it from happening again in the future and that they will be responsive to the issues escalated by the election community,” Cohen said.