HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson City Finance Director Angela Richard updated the city council on Tuesday as to the general fund balance for the end of 2024 and how things look going into next year.

"When we approved the 2025 budget, at the end of 2024, we had projected to have a general fund balance of $5.5 million," Richard said. "I am projecting to have a general fund balance of $7.5 to 8 million, pending something doesn't come up that I haven't forecasted. If these trends project into 2025 and our spending aligns and our revenue stays about the same, we'll end 2025 with between $4.5 and 5 million. So the GFOA recommendations and the general fund balance that we had approved, we should probably be between $7 and 7.5 million. We'll end 2024 with about where we should be, but then at the end of 2025, we'll start having to look at what we should do to restore that general fund balance, but it is a lot better than the $913,000 we had projected at the end of 2025 in our budget."

The council praised Richard for her good work in keeping the city solvent to this point.

City's fiscal health better than anticipated

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Randy Norwood, Assistant Superintendent of Operations for USD 308 is retiring and those who know Randy are invited to commemorate the milestone on Friday.

Norwood retirement gathering is Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The law in Kansas says that staff from the county appraiser's office can go on to your property to assess its value, whether you are home or not. 

According to <a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch79/079_005_0001.html">Kansas state statute 79-501</a>, the appraisal of property must “be based upon an actual view and inspection of the property,” which means there is the implied authority for the appraiser to enter upon real property to perform these functions, without such action constituting a trespass.

The statute also states the appraiser’s office is not required to obtain permission from the property owner, and when the appraiser’s entry onto property is opposed, the appraiser has the authority to proceed through legal channels. With that said, Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank isn't interested in having his staff get into disputes with anyone and that is consistent with the <a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/PVDAGOpinion1982-007.pdf">prevailing attorney general's opinion from 1982</a>.

<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/PVDAGOpinion1982-007.pdf"></a>"State law tells us that we have to visually inspect every property a minimum of once every six years," Plank said. "State law tells us we have to go do that, I feel like that inherently gives us the right to go on your property to do that. If you are home, or if you have one of those Ring cameras or something like that and we communicate with you and you say, you know what, I don't really want you on my property, ask us nicely and we'll leave."

The 1982 opinion says that if it is necessary, an appraiser can seek a court order for permission to enter property. Hutch Post reached out to County Attorney Tom Stanton and County Counselor Patrick Hoffman to try to find out if there has ever been an occasion in Reno County where the appraiser has had to use that mechanism. Neither Hoffman or Stanton have any record of ever having to go to that step.

Plank clarifies appraisal staff's intent when going to homes

LYONS, Kan. — The City of Lyons has mailed out a letter to all residents in the City. 

They said on social media Wednesday, if you have not received one yet, do not worry, you will get one. 

Kore Services is going to be replacing all gas meters in the town as the City is moving forward with the Tantalus Automatic Gas Reading System. 

They will be doing a section of town at a time. When you receive your letter, follow the instructions, and call the number provided to schedule a day and time that works for you for Kore Services to come and install your new gas meter. 

Kore Services started replacing meters yesterday, Tuesday, December 3, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lyons installing new gas meters

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The ceremonial groundbreaking will take place Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. for the future 75,000-square-foot Hutchinson YMCA branch. 

The branch will be located on land at the intersection of 20th Street and Lorraine that was donated to the Greater Wichita YMCA through a partnership with Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System. It will replace the Hutchinson Y’s current location at 716 E 13th Ave.

The future facility 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.

New Y groundbreaking Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Prepare for an unforgettable night of elegance, mystery, and entertainment as Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre presents the much-anticipated Phantom of the Fox Fundraiser. This enchanting event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 inviting patrons to don their finest attire and immerse themselves in an evening inspired by the timeless allure of classic theatre.

“We’re thrilled to bring the community together for an evening that celebrates the magic of theatre while supporting our mission,” said Penny Bettles, Development Administrator at Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre. "Fundraising for a historic building isn't just about preserving bricks and mortar; it's about safeguarding the stories, artistry, and heritage that connect generations. Every dollar raised breathes new life into the past, ensuring it continues to inspire the future."

Treat yourself to an unforgettable pre-party experience featuring delectable hors d'oeuvres, expertly crafted cocktails sponsored by DJ’s Liquor, and live music. Hosted in the Baker Ballroom inside Plaza Towers, this exclusive event takes place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are limited and priced at $85 per person or $600 for a table of eight. Each pre-party ticket also includes admission to the main event at the Historic Fox Theatre. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to kick off the evening in style!

The main event will take place inside the Fox Theatre with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. There you can stroll through our silent auction tables, purchase raffle tickets, and enjoy a craft cocktail! Then we rev up the night with 80’s rock tribute, Paramount, who will take the stage at 8:00 p.m.

For table sponsorship opportunities contact Penny Bettles at <a href="mailto:pbettles@hutchinsonfox.com">pbettles@hutchinsonfox.com</a>. Tickets for pre-party and the main event are on sale now at <a href="http://hutchinsonfox.com">hutchinsonfox.com</a> or by calling the Box Office 877-FOX-SHOW.

Phantom of the Fox next month

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Downtown Hutchinson, in a partnership with Ad Astra Radio, Hutch Rec, Hutchinson Zoo, and DCI, invite residents to celebrate the holiday season with the Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade and Festival taking place Dec. 6 &amp; 7. Residents of all ages will enjoy various activities throughout the festival, including:

Holiday Happy Hour at the Hutchinson Zoo from 6-9 p.m.

(For Adults 21 yrs and older; ticketed event)

Spend an evening strolling through the Hutchinson Zoo with a drink in hand, enjoying holiday festivities, music, delicious food and beverages, as well as animal experiences. Tickets include complimentary beverages and gourmet snacks throughout the event. A variety of food options and non-alcoholic and adult beverages will be available.

Tickets are $40/person ($30 for Zoo members) and are available for purchase <a href="http://www.hutchinsonzoo.org/223/Holiday-Happy-Hour">here</a>. Proceeds support the Hutchinson Friends of the Zoo.

Hutch Rec’s Gingerbread House Decorating at Memorial Hall from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (FREE)

This free event is Hutch Rec’s gift to the community and includes free gingerbread house decorating for all ages, along with visits with Santa, interactive games, and more. Carriage rides will also be provided outside of Memorial Hall from 10 a.m. to noon.

Spread the Light Holiday Park at DCI Park (2nd &amp; Main) from 4-6 p.m.

Before the Christmas parade, visit Spread the Light Holiday Park to support local non-profits and give back to our community. Groups will provide festive activities and give visitors the chance to connect with local charities while making a difference this holiday season.

Ad Astra Radio’s Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade (Main St from Avenue B through 7th Avenue) at 6 p.m.

The festive weekend concludes with the 2nd annual Light Up Hutch evening Christmas Parade in Downtown Hutchinson. Ad Astra Radio is accepting parade registrations. Entries will be judged by a local celebrity panel in various categories.

The parade will start at Avenue B and head north through 7th Avenue on Main Street.

Pedestrian-only viewing will take place from Avenue B through 3rd &amp; Main, where there are no parked vehicles allowed.&nbsp;

Car viewing spaces are available from 3rd Avenue through 7th Avenue. Residents may park their&nbsp;vehicles in the open designated parking spaces on Main Street.

Look for hot chocolate and coffee stops along Main Street, and pop into our great Downtown restaurants for a delicious meal or treat before or after the parade!

Downtown Holiday Shopping (hours vary)

Throughout the day, enjoy holiday shopping at several Downtown Hutch stores while dining at restaurants. Several businesses will remain open through 8 p.m.

Follow the community partners on social media for continued updates, event maps, and the final line-up of activities.

Christmas festival events begin Friday, parade Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dillons is celebrating the 12 Merry Days of Deals event. From December 4 through December 15, customers can clip a new hot digital deal each day for redemption by December 17. 

“12 Merry Days of deals are just days away and we can’t wait to surprise customers each day with a new way to save big this holiday season,” said Sheila Regehr, corporate affairs manager at Dillons. “We hope customers have fun discovering daily offers to help them save during the busiest time of the year.”

During 12 Merry Days, Dillons is revealing a hot new deal every day. Each daily offer will be available to clip for one day only at <a href="http://dillons.com">dillons.com</a> or the Dillons app and can be redeemed through December 17. Offers may be redeemed up to five times each in a single transaction.

Customers can look forward to a surprise deal every Merry Day from December 4 through December 15 on products across the store, including items such as goods for holiday hosting, seasonal merchandise, fresh and more! Check back each day for a hot deal.

Visit the Dillons app or website each day from December 4-15.

Clip the featured digital coupon each day; only one coupon will be available each day for 12 days to download.

In store, customers must enter their Rewards Card number at checkout to ensure the deal is applied to their purchase.

Redeem all participating digital coupons by December 17.

Deals can be redeemed in-store or through Dillons Pickup and Delivery, offering the same products at the same low prices no matter how customers shop.  

In addition to 12 Merry Days of savings, customers can also look forward to a Dashing Deal for the holidays in celebration of National Cookie Day. Now through December 10, customers can receive free Bakery Fresh Hot Cocoa Cookies (2 count) with the purchase of any 12 count Bakery Fresh Cookies with their loyalty card. No coupon required, offer valid with loyalty card through December 10.

For everyday savings, visit <a href="http://dillons.com">dillons.com</a> or the Dillons app, offering more than $600 in savings available weekly in digital coupons. With more than 30,000 mouthwatering possibilities, customers are a swipe away from inspiration to reality. Dillons is worth it every time.

Kroger Family of Companies Rewards World Elite Mastercard® eligible cardmembers may now redeem a free one-year, next-day Boost membership or cardholders who are current annual Boost members may receive a free one-year extension of their next-day Boost membership. To learn more and redeem this Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® cardmember offer visit the Boost Membership Benefits page.  

The creditor and issuer of the Kroger Family of Companies Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.

Special Dillons digital event starts Wednesday

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

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="mailto:hutchpost@eagleradio.net">hutchpost@eagleradio.net</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

<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.

Recent obituaries and service times

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

12/4/2024 3:39 AM-Lionel	NMN Reyes Santos-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000

12/3/2024 11:28 PM-Marcus	William Ray Bishop-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

12/3/2024 6:06 PM-Timmothy	Allan Fanning-Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Agg battery; DUI causing grt bodily harm; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; DUI; Alcohol Concentration .08 or more shown by competent evidence; 1st Offense&nbsp;

12/3/2024 2:36 PM-Brennan	Lane Shaw-Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999; DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Leave the scene of an accident; Injury or Property Damage &gt; $1000; MVA; Fail to Give Information at accident involving Injury, Death, Attended Property or Vehicle

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council spent more than a half hour Tuesday evening discussing whether or not to put allowed legal notices solely on their website and not print some of them any longer in the Hutchinson News.&nbsp;

The charter ordinance that would begin the process of rolling back the printing of some legal notices ended on a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Greg Fast and council members Jon Richardson and Scott Meggers voting in favor and Vice-Mayor Stacy Goss and council member Steve Garza voting against. Because a change in a charter ordinance requires a two-thirds majority and not a simple majority, that means that the motion failed and the official publication will remain the same for now.

The item ended up being a wide-ranging discussion. Current Hutchinson Tribune owner and operator Michael Glenn, despite the fact that his publication is online only, passionately advocated for the presence of legal notices in a physical newspaper.&nbsp; 

Glenn believes that having them in the paper that is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity is an important point in favor of government transparency.

No one on the council argued that the Hutchinson News, as currently constituted, is an effective newspaper, but with no other alternative that fulfills legal requirements and has physical media, it is and was the way it has been done.

Those voting in favor of the charter ordinance see it as a way to trim costs without effectively reducing the reach of the government notices, because they have confidence in city staff and in the public to use the city's website for that purpose when an issue arises that needs to be published.

According to agenda documents, the city still intends to have on its website

2. Entire ordinances, resolutions and other public notices on the website will appear without summaries.

3. The publications will appear on the City’s existing website without additional cost.

4. The citizens have the ability to request notices by email of new publications appearing on the website.

Those things will all still happen, in addition to the physical publication that will remain.

Council will keep printing notices

Kansas Jayhawks (7-0) at Creighton Bluejays (5-3)

Omaha, Nebraska; Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. EST

<a href="http://betmgm.com/" target="_blank">BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE:</a>&nbsp;Jayhawks -4.5; over/under is 152.5

BOTTOM LINE: No. 1 Kansas plays Creighton after KJ Adams scored 22 points in Kansas’ 86-51 victory over the Furman Paladins.

The Bluejays have gone 4-1 in home games. Creighton is fourth in the Big East with 17.5 assists per game led by Steven Ashworth averaging 5.6.

The Jayhawks play their first true road game after going 7-0 to start the season. Kansas is the top team in the Big 12 with 45.1 points per game in the paint led by Hunter Dickinson averaging 11.4.

Creighton makes 45.5% of its shots from the field this season, which is 6.3 percentage points higher than Kansas has allowed to its opponents (39.2%). Kansas has shot at a 52.6% clip from the field this season, 14.6 percentage points higher than the 38.0% shooting opponents of Creighton have averaged.

TOP PERFORMERS: Ryan Kalkbrenner is shooting 78.1% and averaging 18.1 points for the Bluejays.

Dickinson is averaging 15.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals for the Jayhawks.

🏀 No. 1 Kansas visits Creighton following Adams’ 22-point game

The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team returns to the friendly confines of the Sports Arena after a tough road loss on Saturday at Independence.

The Blue Dragons (6-4, 2-2 KJCCC) will play host to perennial Jayhawk Conference power Coffeyville (7-2, 3-0 KJCCC) at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

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 Dan Naccarato (analyst) calling the action. The game will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network beginning at 7:15 p.m.

BLUE DRAGON MEN'S BASKETBALL Hutchinson (6-4, 2-2) vs. Coffeyville (7-2, 3-0) When: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Time: 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), Dan Naccarato (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1716389">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 7:15 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/files/Game_11_-_Coffeyville_men.pdf">CLICK FOR BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

The Blue Dragons had a solid offensive game against Independence on Saturday. Hutchinson shot 52.1 percent, outscoring the Pirates 62-48 inside the paint. Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/jackson_isaiah_jg1r">Isaiah Jackson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/thornton_jaquez_fh4s">Jaquez Thornton</a>&nbsp;both posted double-doubles. Jackson had a career-high 22 points with 10 assists, while Thornton had 22 points and a career-high-tying 10 assists.

Defensively, however, the Blue Dragons struggled. The Pirates shot 69 percent in the first half to open up leads as large as 14 points. The Dragons also committed a season-high 28 fouls that led to 32 of 46 from the free-throw line for Independence. The Pirates scored an opponent season-high offensive output and shot 56.1 percent for the game.

The Red Ravens have won four games in a row, defeating Arkansas State-Newport 69-53 on Friday. Before that, the Ravens stormed back from 19 points down to defeat Independence 98-94.

Hutchinson head coach Kyle Fisher will be going up against one of his mentors on Wednesday in Coffeyville veteran head coach Jay Herkelman, now in his 30th season with the Red Ravens. Fisher was Herkelman's assistant at Coffeyville for seven seasons.

Wednesday's meeting will be the 60th all-time meeting between Hutchinson and Coffeyville in a series that dates back to 1929. The Blue Dragons are 33-26 all-time against the Red Ravens, going 11-7 against Coffeyville in games played in Hutchinson and 10-5 in games in the Sports Arena.

The teams have been a total of 18 times in postseason play. The Blue Dragons lead the Ravens 12-6 in postseason matchups.

🏀 Blue Dragon men look to regroup against Red Ravens

One-third of the way through the 2024-25 season, there are only two undefeated Jayhawk Conference teams remaining. Those two teams will play each other Wednesday night.

The No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team (10-0, 4-0 KJCCC) will play host to the Coffeyville Red Ravens (8-0, 3-0) at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

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. CT with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (analyst) calling the action. The game will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 5:15 p.m.

BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 1 Hutchinson (10-0, 4-0) vs. Coffeyville (8-0, 3-0) When: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Time: 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), Dan Naccarato (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1716378">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:15 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_11_-_Coffeyville_women.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

Hutchinson and Coffeyville - which is receiving votes in this week's NJCAA Rankings - are undefeated in overall season play. No. 5 Dodge City is 9-1 overall, but remains unbeaten in league play at 4-0.

The Blue Dragons turned in a third-straight defensive effort of holding an opponent to less than 40 points and 30-percent shooting in a 66-34 victory on Saturday at Independence. Hutchinson limited the Pirates to 27.9 percent overall shooting and forced 27 turnovers.

Over their last three games, the Blue Dragons have allowed an average of 35.3 points per game on 24.0 percent shooting, forcing an average of 24.0 turnovers forced.

The only team pushing those defensive numbers in the KJCCC is Coffeyville. The Red Ravens have held 5 of their last 6 opponents under 50 points and allowed Independence to score only 29 last Wednesday.

Coffeyville and Hutchinson are Nos, 1 and 2, respectively, in the KJCCC in scoring defense. The Ravens are allowing 41.0 points per game. The Blue Dragons are allowing 46.8 points per game.

Offensively, Hutchinson ranks No. 4 in scoring at 79.2 points per game, while Coffeyville ranks seventh at 73.8 points per game.

Wednesday opens a two-game homestand for Hutchinson. After Coffeyville, the Dragons have a bye week on Saturday and play host to Garden City on December 11.

🏀 No. 1 Hutchinson meets Coffeyville in battle of unbeatens

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Six members of Kansas Volleyball have earned All Big 12 for their impressive regular season performances, including Reese Ptacek as the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and Caroline Bien as the Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year. 

Camryn Turner, Toyosi Onabanjo and Ayah Elnady all joined Ptacek on the First Team, while Bien and London Davis were named Second Team All Big 12. Ptacek also earned a unanimous nod to the All Rookie Team. 

Ptacek finished third among all Big 12 players with 1.27 blocks per set during the season. The freshman had the highest hitting percentage in a single regular season league match this season, hitting .813 on Oct. 12 against Cincinnati. Ptacek tied for the second most blocks by a Big 12 player in a match this season with 11 against K-State on Oct. 17.

Bien is Kansas' fourth Scholar-Athlete of the Year award winner and first since 2021. The native of Overland Park, Kansas is a senior majoring in accounting with a 4.0 GPA. Bien averaged 3.22 digs per set and 2.54 kills per set during the season while helping lead Kansas to 15 league wins and a 13th overall trip to the NCAA Championship. She was one of four Jayhawks to appear in all 100 sets of the regular season. 

Turner, the Big 12 assists/set leader, earned her second-consecutive First Team All Big 12 award. The senior out of Topeka is also No. 3 in the NCAA in assists/set, ending the regular season with an 11.40 average. She was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week once this season, and is an AVCA National Player of the Year semifinalist for the first time in her career. After Kansas, Turner will head to Michigan, as she was the first of three setters to be drafted in this year's PVF draft. She went to the Grand Rapids Rise in the third round as the No. 22 pick overall. 

Onabanjo secured her first-career Big 12 accolade as she ended the regular season with the third-best hitting percentage in the Big 12 at .399. The Houston native also posts the No. 4 block average in the conference with 1.21 blocks per set. When the AVCA first announced their Player of the Year Watchlist, Onabanjo was named to that early season list with her counterpart Turner. Onabanjo was drafted in the first round of the PVF draft as the No. 8 pick overall, and she will head to Omaha to play for the league-leading Supernovas. 

Elnady earned her spot on the first team for the second-consecutive season, as she led Kansas in kills per set with 3.24. She was one of four Jayhawks to appear in all 100 sets of the regular season, and is on a nine-match double-double streak where she has recorded double-digit kills and digs in every match since Texas Tech on October 30. The senior from Cairo, Egypt also racked up 35 aces on the year, and will be looking to add to her postseason accolades by matching last season's AVCA First Team All Region nod. 

Davis rounds things out on the second team for a second season in a row. She had another strong regular season, playing 99 sets for the Jayhawks and hitting .309 on the year so far. Davis has racked up 266 kills, the second most of all Jayhawks, and 76 total blocks as well. The Galena, Ohio native has contributed 305.5 points, which is the second-highest number at Kansas.

🏐 KU volleyball players win league awards

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2024/12/3/womens-basketball-lee-sets-k-state-career-scoring-record-in-wildcat-win">Via K-State Athletics</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State collected its seventh straight home win by downing Eastern Illinois, 90-43, but the highlight of Tuesday's night game came in the third quarter as Ayoka Lee broke K-State's career scoring record.

Lee registered 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, making her final seven shots of the night including the record-setting layup with 6:59 to play in the third quarter.

With the career scoring record of 2,336 points, Lee becomes the fifth player since 1980 to hold the K-State career scoring record, surpassing Kendra Wecker (2001-05; 2,333 points) who held the mark for 19 years. Lee now ranks 10th in career scoring for Big 12 history.

Lee's journey to the K-State scoring record began on November 8, 2019, against Omaha, as she registered her first career point on a free throw with 8:27 to play in the first quarter and finished her debut with 11 points. 

In addition to setting the school record for career points, Lee also holds the school career mark for scoring average (19.1 ppg), most career games with 40 or more points (2), most career games with 30 or more points (14), most points scored in a junior season (727) and the NCAA Division I, Big 12 and school records for points in a single game (61). 

Sophomore Zyanna Walker, who assisted on the record-setting basket, finished the night with her first career double-double by notching a game-high 16 points and 10 assists. She also added four steals and two blocks.

Senior Jaelyn Glenn was the third starter in double figures by adding 11 points, which included 3-of-4 from long range and also hauled in six rebounds and three steals.

Sophomore Taryn Sides (12 points) and senior Kennedy Taylor (11 points) paced a K-State bench that tallied 36 points. Taylor added seven rebounds, while Sides collected four.

🏀 Lee sets career scoring record

AP Sports Summary for December 4th, 2024:

Miami's playoff hopes nosedive as Alabama rises in the latest College Football Playoff rankings

Miami's playoff hopes took a nosedive while Alabama's got a boost in the last rankings before the College Football Playoff bracket is set next weekend. The Hurricanes moved down six spots to No. 12 after suffering their second loss of the season. They are one spot behind the Crimson Tide, who won won last week and moved up two spots to No. 11. Alabama is projected as the last team in and the fourth from the Southeastern Conference. Oregon stayed at No. 1 for the fifth straight week and will head into Saturday's Big Ten title game as the only undefeated team in big-time college football.

Flames honor the late Johnny Gaudreau and welcome his family back to Calgary

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — The Calgary Flames paid tribute to longtime star Johnny Gaudreau before their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, months after the All-Star was killed while biking on a New Jersey road this summer. Known as "Johnny Hockey," Gaudreau played the first eight of his 10 full seasons with Calgary, where he developed into one of the NHL's top players. He spent his last two seasons with the Blue Jackets. Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed on Aug. 29 when police said they were struck by a suspected drunken driver. Calgary hosted several members of the Gaudreau family on Tuesday night, including Johnny's father, his wife Meredith and their two children, and his sisters.

Juan Soto starting to eliminate teams from negotiations, agent Scott Boras says

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Juan Soto is starting to drop teams from negotiations ahead of baseball's winter meetings next week. Likely to approach or set a record contract, the free agent slugger has met with the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. Soto's agent, Scott Boras, says the outfielder has "begun the process of eliminating teams" but he doesn't think a decision is "imminent" in the near future. A four-time All-Star, Soto finished third in AL MVP voting after hitting .288 with 41 homers, 109 RBIs and 129 walks this year to help the Yankees reach the World Series. He has a .285 career batting average with 201 homers, 592 RBIs and 769 walks.

USWNT beats Netherlands 2-1 in goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher's final match

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Alyssa Naher made two critical saves in her final match for the United States, Lynn Williams scored the go-ahead goal in the 71st minute and the Americans beat the Netherlands 2-1. The U.S., which won its fifth Olympic gold medal in France this summer, wrapped up the year on a 20-game unbeaten streak. The Americans were coming off a scoreless draw with England on Saturday at Wembley Stadium. Naeher announced two weeks ago that the European matches would be her last. The 36-year-old goalkeeper played in 115 games for the U.S., with 111 starts, 89 wins and 69 shutouts.

Wiggins, Schieffelin and Clemson's defense hold down No. 4 Kentucky for a 70-66 win

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Chauncey Wiggins scored 12 points and Ian Schieffelin had 11 points and a career-high 20 rebounds as Clemson shut down No. 4 Kentucky for a 70-66 victory in the SEC/ACC Challenge. The Tigers improved to 8-1 and handed the Wildcats their first loss of the season. It's the second straight season in which Clemson has defeated a top-5 opponent, after beating No. 3 North Carolina 80-76 in January. Otega Oweh led Kentucky with 17 points.

Signing with Dodgers was really easy decision for 2-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell says it was a really easy decision to sign with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Joining a team that includes two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani influenced the left-hander too. Snell was introduced Tuesday at Dodger Stadium after signing a $182 million, five-year deal last weekend. Snell has known Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman since he was 18. Friedman says all conversations the front office has had since the World Series ended last month involved Snell, who was 2-2 against the Dodgers during his career.

Knicks beat Magic to advance in the NBA Cup. Orlando also moves on as the East wild card

NEW YORK (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 23 points and 15 rebounds, Jalen Brunson scored 21 points and the New York Knicks beat the Orlando Magic 121-106 on Tuesday to reach the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. New York went 4-0 in East Group A and will host Atlanta on Dec. 11. Orlando (3-1) advanced as the East wild card and will travel to Milwaukee. Mikal Bridges had 19 points and Josh Hart added 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, who have won their last three games and eight of their last 10. Franz Wagner finished with 30 points for the Magic, who had their six-game winning streak snapped.

Iowa State and SMU athletic directors in a 'stay off my lawn' moment regarding latest rankings

Athletic directors at Iowa State and SMU are in a turf war over the latest College Football Playoff rankings, leading to a "stay off my lawn" moment on social media. Cyclones AD Jamie Pollard tweeted at his SMU counterpart Rick Hart suggesting the Mustangs' eighth ranking was inflated because of its less-than-brutal schedule and said, "looks like your lawn may be artificial." Hart responded by saying Iowa State's schedule wasn't so hot either. And, he said, "stay off my lawn."

Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair suspended 3 games without pay after violent hit on Trevor Lawrence

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston's Azeez Al-Shaair was suspended by the NFL without pay for three games for repeated violations of player safety rules following his hit to the head of Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence, which led to a concussion. Al-Shaair's punishment was announced by NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan. In his letter to Al-Shaair, he noted that he has had multiple offenses for personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rules violations in recent seasons. Runyan says "video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars' quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide."

High school recruiting isn't the only way to build a winner in the era of the transfer portal

Texas A&amp;M signed the nation's top-ranked class three years ago believing it had built a potential national title contender. Plenty of players from that heralded 2022 class could indeed be participating in the first 12-team College Football Playoff this month. They just won't be doing it for the Aggies. Texas A&amp;M represents perhaps the clearest example of how recruiting and roster construction have changed in the era of loosened transfer restrictions. Coaches must assemble high school classes without always knowing which of their own players are transferring and what players from other schools could be available through the portal.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	(22)Texas A&amp;M	57	Wake Forest	44	

		(10)Alabama	at	(20)North Carolina	7:15 p.m.	

		(18)Pittsburgh	at	Mississippi St.	9:15 p.m.	

		(24)San Diego St.	at	Fresno St.	10:30 p.m.	

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

⚽ HutchCC's Edwards, Marx named NJCAA All-Americans

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association announced its preseason rankings on Tuesday. Below are the boys rankings.

1. Shawnee Mission NW 2. Wichita Heights 3. Mill Valley 4. Olathe North 5. Wichita NW 6. Shawnee Mission South 7. Blue Valley NW 8. Blue Valley North 9. Olathe South 10. Junction City

1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 2. Topeka-Highland Park 3. Shawnee Heights 4. Andover 5. Great Bend 6. KC-Piper 7. St. Thomas Aquinas 8. Basehor-Linwood 9. Topeka West 10. Maize South

1. McPherson 2. Baldwin 3. Hugoton 4. Ottawa 5. Atchison 6. St. George-Rock Creek 7. Bishop Miege 8. Fort Scott 9. Pratt 10. Eudora

1. Wichita Collegiate 2. Goodland 3. Wellsville 4. Cheney 5. Hesston 6. Beloit 7. Southeast of Saline 8. Lakin 9. Ellsworth 10. Holcomb

1. Moundridge 2. Sterling 3. Salina-Sacred Heart 4. Conway Springs 5. Medicine Lodge 6. Pittsburg-St. Mary's Colgan 7. Bennington 8. Plainville 9. Lyndon 10. Hillsboro

1. South Gray 2. South Central 3. Olpe 4. Oxford 5. Macksville 6. Clifton-Clyde 7. Central Plains 8. La Crosse 9. Jetmore-Hodgeman County 10. Central Burden

1. Cunningham 2. Axtell 3. Dighton 4. McPherson-Elyria Christian 5. Hanover 6. Lebo 7. Weskan 8. Bucklin 9. Amena-Northern Valley 10. Logan-Palco

🏀 5 area boys teams ranked in KBCA preseason polls

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association announced its preseason rankings on Tuesday. Below are the girls rankings.

1. Blue Valley North 2. Washburn Rural 3. Wichita Heights 4. Shawnee Mission NW 5. Shawnee Mission South 6. Olathe South 7. Olathe West 8. Derby 9. Blue Valley 10. Liberal

1. Topeka Seaman 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 3. Andover 4. Maize South 5. St. James Academy 6. Bishop Carroll 7. DeSoto 8. Emporia 9. Hays 10. KC Piper

1. Wellington 2. Bishop Miege 3. Topeka Hayden 4. Clay Center 5. McPherson 6. Wamego 7. Andale 8. Ottawa 9. Eudora 10. St. George-Rock Creek

1. Hesston 2. Silver Lake 3. Halstead 4. Cheney 5. Nemaha Central 6. Haven 7. Goodland 8. Beloit 9. Osage City 10. Girard

1. Pittsburg-St. Mary's Colgan 2. Hillsboro 3. Hoxie 4. Valley Heights 5. Eureka 6. Rossville 7. Leoti-Wichita County 8. Moundridge 9. Smith Center 10. Doniphan West

1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Clifton-Clyde 4. St. John-Hudson 5. South Gray 6. Central Plains 7. Atwood-Rawlins County 8. Frankfort 9. Spearville 10. Olpe

1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Sharon Springs-Wallace County 4. Beloit-St. John's/Tipton 5. Bucklin 6. Marais des Cygnes Valley 7. Hutchinson Central Christian School 8. Ingalls 9. South Haven 10. Attica

🏀 7 area girls teams ranked in KBCA preseason polls

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced an agreement with Diamond Sports Group, owner of FanDuel Sports Network. For the upcoming 2025 season, Royals games will continue to be produced and distributed by FanDuel Sports Network (recently rebranded from Bally Sports).

“Our top priority has been and always will be reaching as many fans as possible,” said Royals Chairman and CEO&nbsp;John Sherman. “We want to be available to anyone who wants to watch our exciting team as the ownership group continues to invest in the progress we’re making on the field.”

The newly rebranded FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City will continue to deliver live games to fans across cable and satellite as well as a streaming package directly through the network, similar to 2024 when the Royals’ linear viewership was up more than 30% and the streaming audience grew more than 200%.

The Royals ended last season with more than 40,000 streaming subscribers, with more than half watching each game for at least 90 minutes. The Royals had the biggest subscriber growth across baseball.

“This past season reinforced what we’ve always known about the passion of our fans and how much they enjoy watching our great athletes perform,” said Royals President of Business Operations&nbsp;Brooks Sherman. “Our viewership grew toward the top of all of baseball, and we’re excited to continue to position ourselves for the future.”

Fans who streamed Royals games in 2024 on the former Bally Sports app can update to the new FanDuel Sports Network app in preparation for the upcoming season.

Starting in 2025, streamers throughout the Royals territory will also be able to watch the Royals through Amazon Prime Video as an add-on subscription for even greater accessibility. Importantly, all fans – no matter how they consume other television – will have access.

“Our renewed partnership with the Royals highlights our shared commitment to connecting as many fans as possible to the team, however they choose to watch,” said Diamond CEO&nbsp;David Preschlack. “We are confident that our evolving partnerships with Amazon and FanDuel, and combined linear and digital platforms will provide fans with exceptional value and an unparalleled viewing experience.”

This agreement covers all non-nationally televised Royals games in 2025, starting with Spring Training. Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 12, which is 71 days away.

⚾ Royals games will be available on FanDuel Sports Network in 2025

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Education Department called on every state, school and district on Tuesday to adopt policies on cellphone use in schools.

The department asks schools to have well-thought-out policies on the matter, but does not dictate exactly what those policies should be. An accompanying resource for schools notes the risk social media can pose to students’ mental health.

“In this digital age, every elementary, middle, and high school should have a clear, consistent, and research-informed policy to guide the use of phones and personal devices in school,” U.S Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a written statement.

“The evidence makes clear: there is no one-size-fits-all policy,” Cardona added, noting that “different school communities have different needs, and the nuances of this issue demand that local voices — parents, educators, and students — inform local decisions around the use of personal devices in school.”

The department acknowledged the role cellphones can play in keeping parents connected to their kids, especially in emergency situations, while also highlighting the increasing evidence on the harms social media can have on youth mental health, such as sleep deprivation and depression.

An increasing number of states and school districts have enacted policies either prohibiting or restricting students from using their cellphones in the classrooms.

Across the country, schools and districts continue to grapple with how to deal with kids’ cellphone use, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/29/cell-phone-schools-bans-states" target="_blank">more than half of all states</a>&nbsp;have sought to ban or restrict cellphone use in classrooms.

As of early November, at least eight states have passed statewide policies that either limit or prohibit cellphone use in the classrooms, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/a-look-at-state-efforts-to-ban-cellphones-in-schools-and-implications-for-youth-mental-health/" target="_blank">KFF</a>.

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