HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair is excited to announce that world-renowned comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham will bring his comedic talents to the 2025 Fair on Saturday, September 6, at 7:30 p.m. 

The performance is sure to be a standout in the Fair’s entertainment lineup, featuring Dunham’s unique brand of humor and his iconic cast of characters that have made him a household name.​​

Having just concluded his 2022-2024 “STILL NOT CANCELED” Tour, Dunham will be returning to the stage with his signature wit and beloved cast of colorful characters. He’s sure to win over audiences across the continent in the same manner that he’s done for decades worldwide, which earned him titles such as, “Billboard’s Top Comedy Tour” for three consecutive years, “America’s Favorite Comedian” via Slate, as well as a Guinness World Record for “Most tickets sold for a stand-up comedy tour.”​

Dunham has performed live in front of over 7.7 million people across 1,500+ performances between June 2007 through June 2024. He’s completed a total of nine international tours with shows in more than twenty different countries, including (but not limited to): Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Abu Dhabi, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, and also South Africa, where he’s the highest-selling international comedian of all time.​

Beyond the stage, Dunham has also filmed 12 record-breaking comedy specials, and currently holds three of the top-five highest-rated programs on Comedy Central. Of those specials, “Minding the Monsters” (2012) and “Controlled Chaos” (2011) were the network’s most viewed specials of their respective years, while 2008’s “Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special” remains Comedy Central’s highest rated program of all time. His 2019 Netflix special “Beside Himself,” still ranks in the top five most watched among all Netflix Comedy Specials. All-in, his specials have garnered nearly 2.5 billion views across all digital and broadcast platforms.​Dunham is also an avid car collector whose extensive agglomerate includes the “Lost In Space” chariots from both the original TV series and current Netflix series; the Batmobile from 1992’s Batman Returns; and a replica from the same mold of the 1966 Batmobile from the original “Batman” TV series. Both Dunham and pieces of his collection have been regular guests on “Jay Leno’s Garage”.​Aside from all his achievements, Dunham and his wife, Audrey, have also created the “Jeff Dunham Family Fund”, through which a portion of every ticket sold is given to various charities and charitable organizations of all persuasions.​

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 13&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=73f9f5dccd&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com.</a>&nbsp;Anyone signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get access to tickets with a presale code, starting 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 12. Sign up for emails at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=682b80970a&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com.​</a>&nbsp;The show will be on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Reserved seating in the Nex-Tech Grandstand is $65 and $45. ​There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:

Get up close to the stage! The Kansas Star Casino Track Party Pit gives concertgoers the opportunity to have a reserved seat in the floor area, located right in front of the stage. Each ticket is $100.​

Kansas Star Casino VIP Deck – Standing&nbsp;

Want the ultimate VIP treatment? This ticket package includes access to the VIP Deck area, two beverage coupons, complimentary food within the VIP Deck area prior to the show, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each VIP Standing ticket is $125.

Kansas Star Casino VIP Deck – Reserved Table​

Get all your friends together with the VIP experience! Reserve a table on our VIP Deck to enjoy the show from a private table that seats six. In addition to a reserved table for six, this package provides two beverage coupons per person, complimentary food within the VIP Deck area prior to the show, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each VIP Reserved Table is $800.

NOTE: Each grandstand ticket includes a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of event only. Some exclusions apply. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=e7b4dd53d3&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>&nbsp;to learn more.&nbsp;

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=b4da0c6163&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;the Ticket Office (620) 669-3618.

Jeff Dunham to perform at the 2025 Kansas State Fair​

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Greater Wichita YMCA today announced an exciting new phase of the Hutchinson YMCA capital campaign with the receipt of a generous $2 million challenge grant from the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation. The gift will support the construction of the new 75,000-square-foot Hutchinson Y branch, which will be located on land near the intersection of 20th Street and Lorraine that was donated to the Y through a partnership with Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.

The Mabee Foundation challenge grant is contingent upon the Y raising an additional $7 million for the estimated $30 million capital campaign by October 2025. 

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this grant from the Mabee Foundation, which only reinforces how important this project is to our community,” said Mike Folks, Hutchinson YMCA Board Chair. “We look forward to continuing the momentum by fulfilling the challenge grant requirements.”

Since its formation in 1948, the Mabee Foundation has made grants totaling over $1.6 billion for capital expenditures and the purchase of major medical equipment. The Mabee Foundation exclusively funds projects located in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

“John and Lottie Mabee believed in creating opportunities for individuals to improve their lives and mobilizing entire communities around worthy causes. The Greater Wichita YMCA embodies those ideals,” said Michael Goeke, Mabee Foundation Executive Director. “We are honored to assist the Y in making a profound impact in the lives of every Hutchinson-area resident for years to come through the construction of a new Hutchinson YMCA facility.”

The planned Hutchinson YMCA will include a first-class destination aquatics center, indoor track, gymnasium, expanded gymnastics center, fitness center with studios, community room, additional places for families to connect and programs that provide safe spaces for youth. This initial phase allows for future development to continue to transform the 9.9 acres of land into a health and wellness destination.

"At the YMCA, we’re dedicated to strengthening families, fostering youth development and promoting healthy living for all, regardless of background," said Ronn McMahon, Greater Wichita YMCA President and CEO. "Through the support of area residents, businesses and organizations like the Mabee Foundation, we can provide even more opportunities for people in the Hutchinson community to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives."

New Y gets challenge grant

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — South Hutchinson's first annual UTV event for Christmas had 33 side-by-sides take to the streets on Saturday.

Matt Mock with the City of South Hutchinson told Hutch Post that he was pleased with the turnout, and that they are moving the event up a couple of weeks next year to Nov. 22, 2025.

He said 100 toys were donated for the District Attorney's Toy Drive and half a truckload of food was donated to benefit the food bank in South Hutchinson.&nbsp;

South Hutch UTV event strong in first year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded to 18 emergency incidents on Sunday that included two significant fires. Just after noon yesterday, the department was called for a car fire on Osborne and Plum. First arriving units found a vehicle and camper involved with heavy fire and upgraded the alarm to a structure fire response. 

Additionally, crews worked to save a large garage just 4 feet away from main fire. Fire crews were able to save the garage, however the vehicle and camper were lost in the fire. No injuries were reported.

Then, around 1 a.m. Monday, Hutchinson Fire was called out for a structure fire on south Lorraine street. This was a mutual aid call with fire District 8. Thick fog at that time made it difficult for the fire unit to get there. First arriving units found fire venting from the&nbsp;roof in a residential home. Crews working in joint operations with District 8 were able to bring this fire under control in a timely fashion. No injuries were reported, and the occupant was able to escape on his own. Monday morning's fire remains under investigation.

The department would like to thank the Hutchinson Police department, Reno County Sheriff's Offica, Hutchinson/Reno County 911 center, Kansas Gas, Reno County EMS, and Evergy for their assistance.

Hutch Fire has busy weekend

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Monday.

Visibility in spots will be one quarter mile to one half mile in dense fog over portions of Central and South Central Kansas.

Hazardous driving conditions will exist due to low visibility.&nbsp;

Temperatures near freezing across Central Kansas could also produce slick spots.

Keep your headlights on low beam in areas  of dense fog. Drive at an appropriate speed for the weather  conditions.

If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of
distance ahead of you.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dense fog Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners will discuss an update to the County's cybersecurity software at their meeting on Wednesday.

According to agenda documents, the Reno County IT department proposes transferring the county's EDR/MDR services from CrowdStrike to Sophos in order to save costs, while trying to ensure continuity of services and ongoing support from a reputable software vendor. 

This change was necessitated by, not just the incident which occurred in July, but the response and service provided to Reno County both during and after the incident.

Additionally, the county was rejected opportunities for negotiation of costs.

The Sophos bid is slightly above the low bid from Fortinet, but would integrate more easily with the county's current infrastructure. Either way, the county will save tens of thousands of dollars over a renewal of CrowdStrike, regardless of the other considerations connected with July's security incident.

The Board of County Commissioners meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room of the Reno County courthouse.

Reno County to update cybersecurity software

Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — You won't want to miss the speaker for December's Membership Breakfast!  Thank you to our speaker sponsor Friendly Bingo for bringing Dan Meers, KC Wolf mascot for the Kansas City Chiefs to Hutch! 

Thank you to our December Breakfast sponsor Credit Union of America. <a href="https://members.hutchchamber.com/events/MembershipBreakfast%20%20sponsored%20by%20Credit%20Union%20of%20America-12928/register?fbclid=IwY2xjawHD4aFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT-Wb3GDKilMATKt9Zvu-Zxzf7gqmloRh7J4qp3HgfL0GN-yJHD4B0xh6g_aem_rxP08Xl6jL5DMjVZ56GFDA">Membership breakfasts are open to non-members for $30</a>.

Dan Meers, Mascot, Motivational Speaker, Author and Family Man. Dan Meers has been KC Wolf, the mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs, for more than 30 years. In 2006 he was selected as the first NFL mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Dan travels throughout the United States and the world entertaining thousands of people both in and out of costume. He has performed in over 40 states and 12 different countries.

He is in high demand not only as a mascot but also as a humorous and motivational speaker to audiences of all ages. His enthusiasm, optimism and love for life are contagious and make Dan an inspiration to all those he meets.

Be it young or old, executive or blue collar, his audiences walk away with a smile and a renewed spirit to live life to the fullest.

Whether you’re a Kansas City Chiefs fan or not, you’ll enjoy Dan Meers as he shares his unique wit and wisdom about life.

Dan Meers to speak to Chamber

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann believes the long term farm bill is going to get delayed again.

"That's what it's looking like," Mann said. "I'll tell you, I could not be more disappointed or frustrated. I've been to the floor of the House over 30 times urging other members of Congress to get serious about getting a five year Farm Bill done to lock in certainty for our producers. It looks like this is being made to punt yet again. Very frustrating. Not what I want."

The continuing resolution on discretionary spending needs to be dealt with in the next couple of weeks, but the farm bill will not be a part of that work.

"President Trump and his team are involved in the conversation because they're going to be impacted by however long this gets pushed into next year," Mann said. "It looks like the consensus or their desire is end of March, but we will see, those conversations are ongoing. Then really, you know, the question becomes, what is the plan for President Trump's first 100 days? What order does he want to tackle the many, many things to do to get this country back on track? How does government funding fit into that? All those things we'll take into consideration."

With Republican control of both houses and the presidency in January, there should be a change in emphasis next year.

"The election had consequences," Mann said. "The American people loud and clear, they said they want Donald Trump to be the President of the United States, and they are tired of business as usual in Washington. We need to get the train back on the track, so to speak. Republicans flipped the Senate. So 100 senators, that's a 53-47 vote margin in the House. Similar margins we've had, but with three folks from the House that have joined the administration, we'll have a one vote margin, looks like the first 100 days or so of the Congress."

It is important though, that both Ag committees will have Republicans with the gavel as a long term farm bill is worked out.

Mann says farm bill will wait for new Congress

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Public Building Commission meets Wednesday.&nbsp;

On the agenda is a contract with Hutton for the Sheriff's Office's Firearms Training Center near the Reno County landfill and the bid proposals for the Fire District 3 building in Nickerson and the Fire District 7 building in Turon.

The Reno County Public Building Commission meets Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.

Reno County Public Building Commission meets Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Kansas State Board of Education is due to vote this week on restrictions on personal device usage in Kansas K-12 schools, based on recommendations from a statewide screen time task force.

"They are really suggesting that boards should, local school boards, should adopt policies on their own that would essentially say at all levels from kindergarten through high school, students are not even to have phones or other type devices like smart watches, those things, even on their person during the school day," said Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards. "Basically,&nbsp;you would come to school, the devices would be secured, there are several ways you could do this to create an environment where kids do not have that personal device distraction at any time. Other approaches have talked about trying to more strictly limit it, say during class periods, but allow kids to do it lunchrooms or in the hallway. It would be a pretty strict policy."

It seems that this would likely be left to those local boards to decide.

"One of the recommendations is to make sure there's a way to sort of securely store a student's phone during the day," Tallman said. "In a very small district, managing that may look very different than in a school where you've got hundreds, you know, maybe many hundreds of kids, you know, entering every day, trying to get to class, you know, managing that looks very different in terms of how you would do it, potentially what the cost would be."

The debate on devices in local school board meetings, if these recommendations are left to them, will likely be robust.

Tallman: State Board to look at device restriction recommendations

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Recent obituaries and service times

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals Hall of Fame voting begins today. The online portion of this year’s vote will remain open to fans through Monday, Dec. 23 at 11:59 p.m. CT at <a href="http://www.royals.com/hofvote">www.royals.com/hofvote</a>.

The Royals Hall of Fame voting process includes two phases. Beginning with this cycle, the Regular Phase vote, which focuses on eligible former players and managers, will move from every other year to yearly. The Veterans Committee phase takes place in even-numbered years and considers both non-field personnel and alumni who have previously received Royals Hall of Fame (Regular Phase) votes but are no longer eligible for election in that manner. To be eligible for the first time, Royals Alumni must have been active with the club for at least three seasons and accumulated a minimum of 1,500 plate appearances or 300 innings pitched or managed the equivalent of three full seasons. Eligible alumni shall have ceased to be an active on-field member of the Royals (or for any other Major League organization) in the role for which they are being considered for at least three calendar years preceding the election. The 2025 vote includes five first-time eligible Royals Alumni and four that return after receiving at least ten percent of the vote in 2023.

The eligible alumni on the 2025 Royals Hall of Fame ballot are (in alphabetical order): Carlos Beltran, OF (1998-2004); Billy Butler, 1B/DH (2007-2014); Johnny Damon, OF (1995-2000); Wade Davis, P (2013-2016; 2021); Jarrod Dyson, OF (2010-2016; 2021); Alex Gordon, 3B/OF (2007-2020); Kelvin Herrera, P (2011-2018); Joakim Soria, P (2007-2011; 2016-2017); and Yordano Ventura, P (2013-2016).

Fans will be joined by other voters, including all living members of the Royals Hall of Fame and the members of the Royals Hall of Fame Executive Board, select members of the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, Kansas City media representatives, and current Royals front office staff with 15 years of service or more, in selecting any Royals Hall of Fame inductees. The online fan ballot will account for three full votes for each of the top five vote getters. Any eligible alumni receiving 75% of the vote will be elected and scheduled for induction during the 2025 Royals season. Eligible alumni must receive a minimum of 10% of the vote on ballots cast to remain eligible for inclusion on the ballot for the next Royals Hall of Fame (Regular Phase) voting cycle.

The Royals Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to celebrate the accomplishments of those players, coaches and other personnel who have made exceptional contributions to Kansas City Royals Baseball.

The first inductees were outfielder Amos Otis and pitcher Steve Busby. They have been joined by pitcher Paul Splittorff, second baseman Cookie Rojas, Manager Dick Howser, pitcher Dennis Leonard, designated hitter Hal McRae, shortstop Fred Patek, Club President Joe Burke, pitcher Larry Gura, Royals founders Ewing and Muriel Kauffman, third baseman George Brett, second baseman Frank White, first baseman John Mayberry, pitcher Dan Quisenberry, Manager Whitey Herzog, center fielder Willie Wilson, pitcher Jeff Montgomery, broadcaster Denny Matthews, pitcher Bret Saberhagen, pitcher Mark Gubicza, scout Art Stewart, pitcher Kevin Appier, Groundskeeper George Toma, first baseman Mike Sweeney, manager Ned Yost, General Manager Cedric Tallis, General Manager John Schuerholz, and outfielder Bo Jackson.

⚾ Vote for Royals Hall of Fame

INDIANAPOLIS — Here's the complete schedule for the 2024-25 College Football Playoff bracket. This season is the 11th year of the CFP era — but the first year that the CFP is using a 12-team format. The bracket was announced on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Games are scheduled Dec. 20, 2024 to Jan. 20, 2025, with the first round on Dec. 20-21, quarterfinals on Dec. 31-Jan. 1, semifinals on Jan. 9-10 and finally the CFP National Championship Game on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 in Atlanta. Check out the full schedule below.

2024-25 College Football Playoff schedule, dates, TV channel, sites

Friday, Dec. 20: No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State | 12 p.m. | TNT/MAX

Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas | 4 p.m. | TNT/MAX

Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN

Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State/No. 11 SMU winner | 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 | ABC/ESPN

Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas/No. 12 Clemson winner | 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 | ABC/ESPN

Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State/No. 9 Tennessee winner | 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 | ABC/ESPN

Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame/No. 10 Indiana winner | 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 | ABC/ESPN

Orange Bowl: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 | ESPN

Cotton Bowl: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 | ESPN

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

🏈 CFP schedule released

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas volleyball team fell in a heartbreaking five sets to the Florida Gators in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night in the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. 

"Yeah, certainly have an appreciation for what happened tonight," said Kansas Head Coach Ray Bechard. "Lasts two hours, 35 minutes, there was no break. There was no moment to collect your thoughts. You just had to go. And there are some levels of disappointment. Obviously, the 15-13, we had a couple controllables there that we didn't take care of. But beyond that, it's the two young ladies that are joining me here, and the other four in the locker room that developed in our program to a national college level, played their last match out there tonight. I'll forever be grateful for that group, what they did and how they gave us the opportunity to be in a moment like tonight."

The Jayhawks and the Gators played a closely contested first game despite Kansas' early momentum, quickly running up the score to lead 5-2. Florida gained a narrow lead midway through the set, up 13-11, but Kansas tied it up at 13's off a huge block assist by Caroline Bien and Reese Ptacek after a Florida attack error. From there, the Gators went on a 6-point unanswered run, and Kansas would finally be relieved by another Florida attack error. The Jayhawks were able to find their footing from there, and as they started to close back in, down 20-17, Florida called their first timeout of the match. A Bien ace out of the timeout followed by a Florida error on the attack and a huge solo block by Ptacek would bring the Jayhawks back to life, tied 20-20. More back and forth play would ensue, and with Florida leading 24-22, another KU timeout came. Florida took the first set 25-22. 

The second set started in similar fashion with a back and forth battle. The Jayhawks were then able to spark up a run, scoring five unanswered points making the score 9-5 in favor of the Jayhawks, triggering a Gator timeout. Kansas was able to carry this momentum and extend the lead to 16-10 following back-to-back kills from Bien. Florida went on to match Kansas's scoring, trading points before calling a timeout with the score 20-14 in favor of the home side. After back-to-back kills from Bien to push the lead to 24-19, the Jayhawks just needed one more to take the second. Florida was able to rally and score two points to make the score 24-21 before Ayah Elnady sealed the set for the Jayhawks with a kill in the clutch. 

Kansas got off to a hot start in the third, leading Florida 6-2 following back-to-back kills by Elnady. Florida was able to fight back and cut the lead to 8-7. The teams continued to battle while the score was knotted at 11-11. After two quick points from Florida, Kansas decided to call their first timeout of the set down 11-13. The Jayhawks continued to fight against Florida, following two Elnady kills to make the score 15-17. Florida rattled off two more to make things 15-19 before a Kansas timeout. Florida was able to carry their momentum through and pushed the lead to 24-16 before eventually winning the set 25-17. 

The fourth set started off the same as the previous three with a back-and-forth battle. Kansas got the early lead of 5-4, before a Florida response to tie the set at 5 all. Kansas was able to get some separation after a kill from Elnady to make the score 9-7 in favor of the Jayhawks. Kansas was able to hold their two-point lead after a huge block assist by Camryn Turner and Toyosi Onabanjo to make it 11-9. The Jayhawks heated up following kills from London Davis and Onabanjo to extend KU's lead to 17-13. An ace from Bryn McGehe out of the timeout pushed Kansas's lead to 18-13. The set continued with the same flow before Florida cut the lead to just two points. Florida served to give Kansas a three-point lead before the sides traded points with a kill from Elnady. A kill from London Davis out of Florida's timeout gave Kansas a 24-21 lead. Florida was able to rally back and tie the set at 24's, before a kill by Onabanjo to give Kansas the advantage 25-24. The Jayhawks would win it on a Gator attacking error, forcing things to a fifth. 

In the final set, the Gators came out swinging and took an early 5-1 lead before Kansas called time. The Jayhawks continued to fight and were able to trim the lead to 4-6, before an ace from Turner made the score 5-6. Florida came out of their timeout and scored a quick two points to extend their lead to 5-8 before the Jayhawks responded with a quick two points of their own, cutting the lead back down to 7-8. After a huge Turner kill, the Jayhawks were able to tie the set up at 10-10. More back and forth play would follow, and Kansas took their second timeout with Florida up by one. The Jayhawks got down 14-12, but Onabanjo and Turner stood tall at the net to keep things within a point. The Gators edged the Jayhawks with one final kill, taking the fifth 15-13.

Elnady ended her college career atop the kills leaderboard with 18 total, and Bien was close behind with 15. Turner surpassed 4,000 career assists, ending the night with a total of 43. She was also the digs leader with 14, while Elnady joined in her double digits with 10. 

🏐 KU volleyball season over

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2024/12/8/football-k-state-to-play-in-rate-bowl-against-rutgers">K-State Athletics</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State Nation is heading back to the Valley of the Sun, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play Rutgers in the Rate Bowl inside Chase Field – home of MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks – in Phoenix, Arizona. The game, which is the only bowl matchup between members of the Big 12 and Big Ten Conferences, will take place on Thursday, December 26 at 4:30 p.m. (CT) and air on ESPN.

This is the 19th time overall and the eighth time for a bowl game that the Wildcats will play in the state of Arizona. It is the fifth time K-State will play in what is now known as the Rate Bowl as it also played in the game in 1993 (known as Copper Bowl and played in Tucson, Arizona), 2001 (Insight.com Bowl), 2013 (Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl) and 2017 (Cactus Bowl).

"We are excited to spend the holidays in Arizona and represent the Big 12 and our University in the Rate Bowl," said K-State head coach Chris Klieman, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to five bowl games in his first six seasons. "The staff at the Fiesta Bowl runs a first-class operation, and I know our players and coaches are looking forward to the trip and the extra work on the field, which is critical to our continued development as a program."

K-State finished with an 8-4 regular-season record in 2024, marking the fourth-straight season the Wildcats have won at least eight games. The Wildcats are one of just nine Power 4 teams to win at least eight games in each of the last four seasons, joining Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Notre Dame, Clemson, Ole Miss, Oregon and Ohio State. The Wildcats have been among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th nationally and rank second in the Big 12 with 25. K-State will also be one of just 15 Power 4 teams to play in a bowl game at least 13 times in the last 15 years.

"We would like to thank Erik Moses and his staff for welcoming K-State Nation to the Phoenix area," said Athletics Director Gene Taylor. "It is good to be heading back to Arizona, and this will be a memorable week for our fans and program. We look forward to an exciting holiday experience."

Kansas State opened the 2024 campaign with a 7-1 record with wins over a pair of teams ranked No. 20 at the time in Arizona (31-7) and Oklahoma State (42-20), and the Wildcats were the only team this season to win at Colorado, a team that finished 23rd in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. Kansas State also retained the Governor's Cup with its 16th-straight win over Kansas, tied for the longest active uninterrupted winning streak in the nation. The Wildcats will be looking to right the ship from a 1-3 mark in November as they lost at Houston and to each of the Big 12 Championship Game participants, Arizona State and Iowa State.

K-State and Rutgers will meet for just the second time ever, and both matchups will be in bowl games, as the Scarlet Knights earned a 37-10 win over the Wildcats in the inaugural Texas Bowl in 2006. This is the fifth time in school history that Kansas State will face a Big Ten team in a bowl game with the last being a 31-14 victory over Michigan in the 2013 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, which was also the last time overall that the Wildcats faced a Big Ten foe.

Rutgers finished the regular season with a 7-5 overall record and a 4-5 mark in conference action to tie for ninth place in the Big Ten. After starting the season 4-0 with wins over Howard, Akron, at Virginia Tech and against Washington, RU lost each of its next four games. However, Rutgers went 3-1 in November with wins over Minnesota, Maryland and Michigan State.

The Scarlett Knights are playing in a bowl game for the 13th time in school history and third time in the last four years. They lost to Wake Forest in the 2021 Gator Bowl and defeated Miami in last year's Pinstripe Bowl.

🏈 K-State to play in Rate Bowl against Rutgers

AP Sports Summary for December 9th, 2024:

Juan Soto agrees to record $765 million, 15-year contract with Mets, AP source says

DALLAS (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that star outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets have agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. Soto's deal is the largest and longest in Major League Baseball history, topping Shohei Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fernando Tatis Jr.'s $340 million, 14-year contract with San Diego. Soto's deal does not include deferred money, the person said.

Chiefs win 9th straight AFC West title, beating Chargers 19-17 on bank-shot field goal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matthew Wright kicked a 31-yard field goal that banked off the left upright as time expired, and the Kansas City Chiefs survived another close game, beating the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 to win their ninth straight AFC West title. Patrick Mahomes led the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs on a clock-killing 4 1/2-minute drive to set up Wright's fourth field goal. It looked routine until the ball clanged off the upright in the latest narrow escape for Kansas City, which has won 10 games by a one-score margin. Justin Herbert and the Chargers scored on each of their three second-half drives.

College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out

SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.

Allen sets NFL mark with 3 TD passes and 3 TD runs, but Stafford's Rams hold off Bills 44-42

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams overcame Josh Allen's record six-touchdown performance to snap the Buffalo Bills' seven-game winning streak with a 44-42 victory. Matthew Stafford passed for 320 yards and hit Puka Nacua for a 19-yard touchdown with 1:54 to play for the Rams, who have won six of eight. Allen passed for 342 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 82 yards and three more scores for the Bills. Allen became the first player in NFL history with three passing TDs and three rushing TDs in a game. He capped Buffalo's third touchdown drive of the fourth quarter by scoring on a 1-yard dive with 1:00 left.

Should Sasaki join Cubs? Emanuel, a fan of the team and ambassador to Japan, is being diplomatic

TOKYO (AP) — During a news conference at the United States Embassy in Tokyo, Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga was asked what he'd say to countryman Roki Sasaki to convince him to join his team. Sasaki will be moving from Japan next season to join an MLB team, the most sought-after pitcher in this season's free agency. The Cubs are among a half-dozen teams seen as a landing spot. The United States ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel jumped in and joked it was unfair to put Imanaga on the spot. Cubs fan Emanuel says "I know the world's dying to know and they're just going to keep guessing,"

Juan Soto's $765M deal with the Mets is the largest in MLB history. Here's who he passed

Juan Soto and the New York Mets agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract Sunday night, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the agreement hadn't been announced and was subject to the completion of a successful physical. Soto's deal easily surpassed Shohei Ohtani's $700 million agreement from the prior winter for what's believed to be the biggest in sports history, and Soto's contract doesn't include any deferred payments.

Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sights

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley has broken LeSean McCoy's Eagles franchise record for rushing yards in a season. Barkley has 1,623 yards. He surpassed McCoy's mark of 1,607 yards with a 9-yard run in Sunday's 22-16 win over Carolina. Barkley finished the game with 124 yards, within a yard of his season average. He has four games left and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's 40-year-old NFL record of 2,105 yards. Dickerson set that record in a 16-game season and Barkley has one more game. Eagles fans serenaded Barkley with "MVP!" chants and McCoy congratulated him on social media.

Josh Allen's record day not enough as Bills' 7-game winning streak is snapped by Rams

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Josh Allen became the first player to have three touchdown passes and three rushing TDs in the same game. It was a play during which the Buffalo quarterback didn't reach the end zone that was the most discussed after the Bills 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams Sunday. Trailing by nine late in the fourth quarter, Allen was stopped for no gain on a sneak up the middle on first-and-goal from the Rams 1. Buffalo had to use the first of its three timeouts before Allen scored on a run on the next play. The Bills then had to try an onside kick and the Rams recovered.

Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns, both career highs, and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 for their sixth straight victory. Darnold added another highlight to his brilliant first season with the Vikings following Cousins' departure in free agency to Atlanta with a 22-for-28 performance and no turnover-worthy plays despite heavy first-half pressure. Jordan Addison had eight catches for 133 yards and three scores and Justin Jefferson racked up seven receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Cousins threw two more interceptions without a touchdown in his return to Minnesota.

Dodgers reach $17M, 1-year deal with Conforto and $22M, 2-year contract with Treinen, AP sources say

DALLAS (AP) — People familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press that the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a $17 million, one-year contract to add outfielder Michael Conforto and a $22 million, two-year deal to retain right-hander Blake Treinen. A former first-round draft pick who turns 32 on March 1, Conforto hit .237 with 20 homers and 66 RBIs this year for San Francisco in the final season of a $36 million, two-year contract. Treinen, 36, went 7-3 with a 1.93 ERA in 50 relief appearances, striking out 56 and walking 11 in 46 2/3 innings.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	(22)Texas A&amp;M	72	Texas Tech	67	

		Abilene Christian	at	(15)Baylor	8 p.m.	

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Monday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andy Reid doesn't need to schedule a stress test anytime soon. He seems to get one every week.

The Kansas City Chiefs coach saw his third-string kicker doink a 31-yard field goal off the left upright and through for a victory that secured the Chiefs' ninth straight AFC West title.

It was the Chiefs' 15th straight win in a one-score game over the last two seasons.

Patrick Mahomes led the two-time defending Super Bowl champions (12-1) on a clock-killing 4 1/2-minute drive to set up Matthew Wright’s fourth field goal. The ball clanged off the upright in the latest narrow escape for Kansas City, which is 10-0 this season in one-score games.

The Chiefs have now had&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1865987660210405643">three different kickers make a game-winning field goal</a>&nbsp;as time expired this season. No other team in NFL history has had more than one kicker do so in a single season.

After securing a first down inside of the 2-minute warning, both Mahomes and Reid were content with running out the clock for the potential game winner, rather than trying to score a touchdown and leave time on the clock for Justin Herbert and the Chargers.

“I trusted Matthew, so I was good with where we were,” Reid said. “Percentages are pretty high. I know we won a game in that same situation on the opposite end, so I get it, but he’s a solid gamer, so I wasn’t too worried about it.”

Wright said he wasn't thinking about the game situation, instead focusing on what he had to do if it came down to his right leg. As the ball headed toward the upright and started drifting left, Wright said his thought wasn't good.

“It’s not a good one,” he said. “I want it to just go right down the middle, obviously.”

Kansas City's nine straight division titles are two short of the New England Patriots' NFL record of 11.

The Chiefs led 13-0 at halftime after the Chargers (8-5) punted on their first five possessions, but LA woke up in the second half, scoring on each of its three drives. Cameron Dicker's 37-yard field goal put the Chargers ahead 17-16 with 4:35 left.

“We just had to settle in," said Herbert, who was 21 of 30 for 213 yards and a TD. “We didn’t make enough plays in the first half and we didn’t execute the way we wanted to. Pass game, run game, we weren’t moving the ball well. That’s on us and I praise the guys for staying in there, staying patient and making plays in the second half.”

Mahomes then went to work, hitting Xavier Worthy for 14 yards on third-and-10 and scrambling for another first down. After the two-minute warning, Mahomes scrambled, dodged a would-be tackle and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1865974106522611871">lobbed a throw to a kneeling Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;that allowed the Chiefs to run the clock down to zero.

“I went through my reads,” Mahomes said. “As I was ready to run, I just saw 87 just sitting right there in the middle of the field, open. So I fired it to him.”

Mahomes says he's not surprised that Kelce stepped up in the clutch.

“He means the world to me,” he said. “Without getting like emotional, he’s a guy that has really kind of made me who I am in my career. (He's a) true leader on the football field. He's someone that I can just go to at any moment, and he’s going to make a big play happen, and as he’s done throughout his career.”

Mahomes was sacked three times and has taken 13 sacks over the past three games, the most of any three-game stretch in his career.

The Chargers opened the second half with a 13-play, 79-yard drive that concluded with Gus Edwards' 3-yard touchdown run. Following a Chiefs punt, the Chargers then went 74 yards on four plays, aided by 39-yard pass interference penalty on Justin Reid, to take a 14-13 lead. Herbert found Quentin Johnson for a 4-yard touchdown, the Chargers' first TD pass in 13 quarters.

The Chiefs responded with Wright’s third field goal, this one from 50 yards after an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty against Trey Smith pushed Kansas City back.

The Chiefs settled for Wright's 47-yard field goal on their opening drive, during which Mahomes passed Dan Marino for the most passing yards in the first eight years of a career.

Late in the second quarter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-herbert-3717688e0ee935d8dd58030b9ca654c1">Herbert was hit by Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton</a>, forcing him to miss a play and leading to the Chargers' fifth punt. The Chiefs responded with a 9-play, 77-yard drive that ended with DeAndre Hopkins' TD catch.

Kansas City's halftime lead was its largest of the season and it shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time.

Kelce finished with 45 yards receiving and has 12,010 in his career, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten among tight ends. He is the fastest to reach 12,000 yards among tight ends.

Herbert missed only one play after the hit by Bolton after trainers looked at his left leg. Taylor Heinicke replaced him. ... TE Will Dissly left the game with a right shoulder injury in the third quarter. ... WR Jalen Reagor was hurt in the third quarter.

Chiefs T DJ Humphries left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.

🏈 Chiefs beat Chargers, win AFC West

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67 on Sunday.

Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the Tigers (8-1), and Josh Gray grabbed a team-leading 10 rebounds.

Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The Jayhawks (7-2) have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night.

Missouri opened a 57-33 lead with 14:15 remaining on a jump shot from Tony Perkins. But the Jayhawks outscored the Tigers 30-8 over the next 11:55.

Bates scored 18 to help Missouri to a 39-25 lead at the break. The Tigers then opened the second half with a 16-6 run.

Kansas: Missouri's size and defensive pressure were too much for the Jayhawks, who are 5-5 at Mizzou Arena since it opened in 2004.

Missouri: Improved to 4-5 against Kansas when the Jayhawks are ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press poll.

Mitchell hit a 3-pointer to lift Missouri to a 68-63 lead with 2:03 remaining. Gray then hit a pair of free throws and Bates converted a layup to make it 72-63 with 1:16 to play.

Kansas committed 22 turnovers, including 14 in the first half.

Kansas: Hosts North Carolina State on Saturday.

🏀 Mizzou beats KU in Columbia Sunday

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — No. 3 Hutchinson (10-1) scored 35-straight points to rout No. 2 Georgia Military (10-2) Sunday on the road.

The Bulldogs used an 11-play, 72-yard drive to take an early 7-0 lead on the Dragons. Keenan Phillips finished off the drive with a 16-yard run to the house.

Offensively, Hutchinson started the afternoon with a three-and-out as Samari Collier went just 1-of-3 passing.

The Dragons only had one first down in the first quarter. It came as time expired on the first 15 minutes.

GMC had eight first downs to Hutchinson's one.

The Bulldogs converted 16 first downs in the first half to Hutchinson's eight.

The Dragons quickly turned the momentum of their first, first down into points. Collier hit Ja'Cory Thomas on a 41-yard strike to tie the game just seven seconds into the second frame.

GMC immediately answered when Chip Cooper found Phillips for a 28-yard score.

The Dragons then turned to National Player of the Year finalist Waymond Jordan Junior. The KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year made a 43-yard house call to tie the game at 14.

Jordan Junior finished the day with 201 yards and two touchdowns. He is now second on Hutchinson's all-time list for rushing touchdowns in a season (20). He is 101 yards away from breaking Terrell Lane's 1,632 yards in a season, set back in 2012.

Jordan Junior's 201 yards Sunday catapulted him four places up the season rushing list.&nbsp;

After the Dragons tied the game with 12 minutes left before halftime, the special teams unit put Hutchinson up for good.

Walter Samuel broke through the protection to block Cole Snyder's punt. L.T. Robinson picked the ball up at the one and scored.

Jordan Junior put Hutchinson up 14 on a 58-yard scamper before Cooper found Phillips again, this time on a 43-yard strike.

Up 28-21 at the break, Hutchinson scored the game's final 35 points.

After a Kedrick Walker interception, Collier found Thomas down the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown.

Walker finished the day with 13 tackles and his first interception.

Collier scored the next two touchdowns for Hutchinson on the ground.

He scored on runs of 26 and two. Collier finished the day with 119 yards passing for two touchdowns. He added 96 yards on the ground with two scores.

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