Sand Hills Brewing in downtown Hutchinson will come alive with music, food, and community spirit during a heartfelt event. Party for Plevna, a benefit for those affected by the recent devastating tornado in Reno County.

Organized in partnership with local businesses and volunteers, the event will raise funds for the United Way of Reno County’s Disaster Fund, helping families in and around Plevna who are working to rebuild their lives.

The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with Whatever’s Cooking, a popular local food truck serving up crowd favorites, followed by live music from the energetic local blues band Blues Warning, performing from 7&nbsp; to 9 p.m. A portion of all food and drink sales, along with individual donations collected during the night, will go directly to the disaster fund.

“This is more than just a party—it’s a symbol of hope,” said one of the event’s organizers. “Even families who lost everything are still smiling, still helping their neighbors. That’s the kind of community Plevna is, and we wanted to reflect that strength and positivity with this event.”

Located at 111 W. 2nd Avenue in downtown Hutchinson, Sand Hills Brewing recently expanded into a larger space, furthering its role as a community hub. The new space offers a welcoming environment perfect for an evening of fellowship, fun, and giving back.

“This event isn’t just for beer lovers,” organizers emphasized. “It’s for anyone who wants to be part of something meaningful. Whether you give $1 or $1,000, it’s all going to a great cause.”

As the community continues to recover, the United Way of Reno County has remained at the forefront of relief efforts, providing both immediate aid and long-term support for affected families. While much of the attention has been on disaster response, the organization remains active across a range of local initiatives, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.

“Party for Plevna” promises to be a night of unity, healing, and celebration—a reminder that even in the face of hardship, the heart of Reno County beats strong.

Here are the event details: What: Party for Plevna – A benefit the Plevna Relief Fund When: Friday, May 31, starting at 5:00 p.m. Where: Sand Hills Brewing, 111 W. 2nd Ave Entertainment: Blues Warning 7–9 p.m. Food: Whatever’s Cooking food truck Proceeds: Donations and a portion of sales benefit tornado recovery efforts

Everyone is welcome. Come for the music, stay for the cause—and leave knowing you made a difference.

Party for Plevna tonight 

The Hutchinson Municipal Band is pleased to announce its 2025 Summer Concert Series beginning on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 8:00 pm. Regular Tuesday performances are June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, and July 1. Salt City Jazz Band takes the stage July 8 and 15. All Tuesday performances will be held at the Recital Hall at Stringer Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hutchinson Community College at 8:00 pm.

Through a partnership with HutchRec, the Concert and Salt City Jazz Bands will play additional performances on June 14, June 19, June 28, July 4, and July 25. Additional information regarding these concerts will be released in the coming weeks.

With a new venue, the Hutchinson Municipal Band can perform, rain or shine, using the HCC Recital Hall. The band members saw the opportunity to provide a higher quality and consistent experience through an expanded partnership with Hutchinson Community College. Kim Ivanovich, chair of the Fine Arts department, and Eric Stambaugh, concert band director of HCC, have been instrumental in using the facility. The band is grateful for their expanded support, which makes this new venue possible.

Now in its 150th year, the Hutchinson Municipal Band continues its longtime service to the Hutchinson and Reno County community by presenting its free annual Summer Concerts Series featuring the Salt City Jazz Band and the Hutchinson Municipal Band’s Concert Band.

Continuing the tradition of past seasons, concerts will be held on Tuesdays at 8:00 pm in June and July. All concerts generally last around one hour.

The Concert Band, under the direction of Abby Giles (Sterling Public Schools), Dan Brinkley (South Hutchinson/Nickerson Public Schools), Daryl Koestel (Hutchinson Public Schools), Charlene Reynolds (Central Christian School), and Jeff Pelischek (formerly of Hutchinson Community College) will play popular concert band literature, marches, show tunes, movie soundtracks and patriotic music during their concerts throughout the summer. The Concert Band will perform at 8:00 pm on June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, and July 1.

On July 8 and July 15 at 8:00 pm, the Salt City Jazz Band, under the direction of Anthony Panek, will offer the best in big band and jazz music.

Through a special partnership with HutchRec, additional concerts will be offered June 14, June 19, June 28, July 4, and July 25. Locations and additional information about the concerts will be announced soon.

Hutchinson Municipal Band celebrating 150th season

Three Hutchinson Police Department officers recently returned from a solemn and meaningful mission in the nation’s capital, where they served as motorcycle escorts for the families of fallen law enforcement officers during National Police Week.

Lieutenant Levy Harris, Sergeant Matt Rucker, and Patrol Officer Cole Gilmore spent a week in Washington, D.C., supporting memorial events by transporting grieving families between airports, hotels, and various ceremonies honoring their loved ones. Their presence was part of a collaborative effort alongside the Wichita Police Department’s motor unit.

“This really came to fruition about a year ago,” Lt. Harris said. “We began training with Wichita PD, and their positive experience at Police Week last year opened the door for us to join them this year.”

The officers transported their motorcycles to Washington with the help of Wichita PD’s trailer, as well as a patrol unit from Hutchinson. Once in D.C., their duties varied, from escorting children to the FBI Academy to guiding entire families to memorial services and events honoring their fallen loved ones.

“For me, it was a huge honor,” said Officer Gilmore. “We did a lot throughout the week, and it was really about being there for the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The experience was emotional and humbling for all three officers. While each had different backgrounds and paths into law enforcement, they shared a deep sense of purpose during the trip.

“We got to see the monuments and the museums in our downtime, but being there for something so meaningful really made it special,” Harris said, noting it was his first time visiting D.C.

Although plans for next year’s event remain uncertain due to logistics and costs, all three officers expressed interest in returning.

“I don’t think it’s something we’ll be able to do annually, but we’d definitely like to go again,” Harris said.

Each officer’s journey to the motor unit was different. Sgt. Rucker, a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong Hutchinson resident, has been with the department for over 17 years and has served on the motor unit intermittently since 2017.

Officer Gilmore, who previously worked in fire and EMS services, joined Hutchinson PD after a stint with the State Fire Marshal. He described the motor training as physically demanding, involving hours of riding and even dropping — and lifting — 900-pound motorcycles.

Despite the challenges, Gilmore and his colleagues said the opportunity to participate in Police Week was a highlight of their careers.

“Training was tough, but the experience in D.C. made it all worth it,” Gilmore said.

The Hutchinson Police Department is near full staffing, with only a few vacancies and many new officers currently in training. Lt. Harris encouraged young people considering law enforcement to see it as a fulfilling path.

“It’s a tough but rewarding job,” Harris said. “You never know what each day will bring, and you truly get to serve your community.”

As the summer season begins, officers are reminding residents to stay safe, especially on the roads and during holiday travel. Enforcement efforts like “Click It or Ticket” remain in focus to promote safety.

The department also hopes to continue community engagement by making more regular appearances on local radio and in the public spotlight, helping build transparency and trust.

For now, the three officers carry the memories of their time in Washington — and the families they served — with a renewed sense of duty.

“It was an honor,” said Sgt. Rucker. “Something I’ll never forget.”

HPD officers recall experience at National Police Week 

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in partnership with All In For Kansas Kids, has announced four regional recipients of the new Child Care Zones grants — a program designed to support local efforts to improve access to and quality of child care across the state.

Funded through the federal Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) Renewal Grant awarded to Kansas in 2024, the initiative provides targeted investments to strengthen early childhood services and infrastructure. The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund administers the grant.

“We are pleased to support KDHE’s Child Care Zones program through the PDG B-5 investment,” said Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. “These are communities who are working together to address barriers, grow awareness of needs and challenges, recover from shortages and setbacks, and make sustainable system improvements.”

Launched in early 2025, the Child Care Zones program designates self-defined regions—covering at least two counties—to receive state-level support for addressing unique, community-specific child care challenges. Successful applicants demonstrated strong collaboration among local stakeholders, including child care providers, employers, local governments, school districts and nonprofits.

The four Round One awardees and their supported counties are:

Each community proposed region-specific strategies to address pressing child care concerns, such as workforce recruitment and retention, expanding access, forming public-private partnerships, and improving care quality.

“Child Care Zones, made possible with federal PDG funding, are an opportunity to support local communities and their child care needs,” said Derik Flerlage, KDHE Director of the Bureau of Family Health and Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention. “Using KDHE’s aid-to-local model, we are proud to fund creative ideas to improve child care infrastructure as identified by those who know their needs best – Kansas local communities.”

A second round of Child Care Zones funding will be announced in early summer 2025, with applications due by late August. Communities interested in applying must represent at least two counties and are encouraged to subscribe to the All In For Kansas Kids newsletter for updates.

For more information about the Child Care Zones initiative, contact Jennifer Burgardt, Child Care Zones Coordinator, or visit the <a href="https://allinforkansaskids.org">All In For Kansas Kids website</a>.

KDHE announces regional Child Care Zone grants

WASHINGTON, DC – With crude oil prices lingering in the low $60s per barrel, drivers are reaping the benefits at the pump. 

The national average is down about 3 cents from last week, returning to what it was a month ago: $3.16. While fuel prices are expected to remain on the lower side compared to last summer, weather is the wild card. 

The Atlantic hurricane season begins Sunday, and NOAA predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season. Storms along the Gulf Coast can affect oil refineries and disrupt fuel deliveries, leading to a temporary increase in gas prices.

Today’s National Average: $3.166&nbsp; • One Week Ago: $3.195&nbsp; • One Month Ago: $3.160&nbsp; • One Year Ago: $3.574&nbsp;

The state average is slightly lower from last week at $2.829 and is up four cents per gallon from a month ago.&nbsp;

• Today’s State Average: $2.895 • One Week Ago: $2.902 • One Month Ago: $2.850 • One Year Ago: $3.108

Here are the average prices around the area.&nbsp; • Reno County: $2.611 • Rice County: $2.756 • Stafford County: $2.838 • McPherson County: $2.85&nbsp; • Harvey County: $2.899 • Kingman County: $2.94 • Pratt County: $2.952 • Sedgwick County: $2.957

Averages are for regular grade gasoline.&nbsp;

Lowkey fuel prices usher in unofficial start of summer 

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Don Thomas, NASA Astronaut

Three members of the Hutchinson Police Department's Motorcycle Unit stopped by the BW Morning Show and visited about their trip to Washington DC during Law Enforcement Memorial Weekend.&nbsp;

🎧BW Morning Show Interview: Hutchinson Police Department Motorcycle Unit 

Three dogs died in a house fire Thursday evening in the 7000 block of North Lorraine, according to the Hutchinson Fire Department.

Fire crews were dispatched to the residence at 7:47 p.m. after receiving reports of a structure fire. While en route, firefighters were informed that the home’s occupants were not inside, but several dogs remained in the structure.

Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke coming from the front door and fire coming from the rear of the single-family home. Crews launched an aggressive interior attack while also searching for occupants and pets.

Because the house was located in a non-hydrated area, rural water supply operations were initiated. Crews were able to knock down the fire quickly and remove three dogs from the home. Despite attempts to resuscitate them using specialized animal lifesaving equipment, all three dogs died from their injuries.

No injuries were reported among residents or emergency personnel. One occupant received assistance from the American Red Cross. The home sustained significant smoke and fire damage throughout, officials said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hutchinson Fire Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office.

Three dogs die in Hutchinson house fire 

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Justice Department has formally moved to dismiss a criminal fraud charge against Boeing and has asked a judge to cancel an upcoming trial connected to two plane crashes that killed 346 people off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia, according to court documents filed Thursday. 

The deal, announced last week, will allow the American aircraft manufacturer to avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly misleading U.S. regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before the planes crashed less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019. 

The “agreement in principle” will require the company to pay and invest more than $1.1 billion, including an additional $445 million for the crash victims’ families, in return for dismissing the criminal case, according to court documents. Dismissing the fraud charge will allow the manufacturer to avoid a possible criminal conviction that could have jeopardized the company’s status as a federal contractor, experts have said. 

U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in Fort Worth, Texas, will decide whether to accept the motion to dismiss, accept the terms of the non-prosecution agreement and whether to cancel the trial. O’Connor on Thursday ordered all the lawyers to present him with a briefing schedule on the government’s motion by June 4. 

Some relatives of the passengers who died in the crashes have been pushing for a public trial, the prosecution of former company officials, and more severe financial punishment for Boeing. The Justice Department has noted that the victims’ families had mixed views on the proposed deal. 

Nadia Milleron, a Massachusetts resident whose 24-year-old daughter, Samya Stumo, died in the Ethiopia crash, in an email Thursday said it hurt her to read the Justice Department's “false” statement that the agreement will secure meaningful accountability, deliver public benefits and bring finality to a complex case whose outcome would otherwise be uncertain. 

“This is not a difficult or complex case because Boeing signed a confession,” Milleron said. “There will be no accountability as a result of the NPA (non-prosecution deal).” 

Boeing said in a statement that the company is committed to complying with its obligations under the resolution, including commitments to further institutional improvements and investments, as well as additional compensation for families of those who died in the two plane crashes. 

“We are deeply sorry for their losses, and remain committed to honoring their loved ones’ memories by pressing forward with the broad and deep changes to our company that we have made to strengthen our safety system and culture,” a Boeing spokesperson said in the statement. 

Attorney Mark Lindquist, who represents dozens of the victims' families said in a statement Thursday that although he had wanted to see a more vigorous prosecution, he didn't think it was going to happen. 

“At this point, I can only hope the criminal case and the lawsuits motivated Boeing to improve safety,” Lindquist said. “That’s what really matters. We all want to walk onto a Boeing plane and feel safe.” 

Boeing was accused of misleading the Federal Aviation Administration about aspects of the Max before the agency certified the plane for flight. Boeing did not tell airlines and pilots about a new software system that could turn the plane’s nose down without input from pilots if a sensor detected that the plane might go into an aerodynamic stall. 

he Max planes crashed after a faulty reading from the sensor pushed the nose down and pilots were unable to regain control. After the second crash, Max jets were grounded until the company redesigned the software. 

The Justice Department charged Boeing in 2021 with deceiving FAA regulators about the software and about how much training pilots would need to fly the plane safely. The department agreed not to prosecute Boeing at the time, however, if the company paid a $2.5 billion settlement, including the $243.6 million fine, and took steps to comply with anti-fraud laws for three years. 

But last year, federal prosecutors said Boeing violated the terms of the 2021 agreement by failing to make promised changes to detect and prevent violations of federal anti-fraud laws. Boeing agreed last July to plead guilty to the felony fraud charge instead of enduring what could have been a lengthy public trial. 

Then in December, O'Connor rejected the plea deal. The judge said the diversity, inclusion and equity, or DEI, policies in the government and at Boeing could result in race being a factor in picking a monitor to oversee Boeing’s compliance with the agreement. 

Under the new agreement, Boeing must retain an “independent compliance consultant” who will make recommendations for “further improvement” and report back to the government, court documents said.

Justice Department reaches deal to allow Boeing to avoid prosecution over 737 Max crashes

The beef cattle industry continues to grapple with tight supplies, even as there has been growing optimism about filling the pipeline in the coming months. While cattle producers are enjoying record-high prices for their livestock, the steep costs involved in replenishing herds are causing many to hesitate on expanding their operations.

The latest USDA monthly Cattle on Feed Report reveals declines across the board, with on-feed numbers, placements, and marketings all dropping between two and three percent. This suggests that despite the optimism, the pipeline remains constricted.

Adding to the picture, USDA’s Cold Storage Report released Friday showed that total red meat supplies held in freezers increased by five percent compared to the previous month, but remain six percent lower than the same time last year. Specifically, frozen beef supplies fell two percent from the prior month and also were two percent below last year’s levels. Conversely, frozen pork stocks surged, rising 11 percent from the previous month.

The cash cattle market was quiet yesterday, reflecting the cautious approach from buyers and sellers alike. Last week’s trade saw live cattle prices ranging between $219 and $221 per hundredweight, with dressed cattle (meat) prices between $360 and $367. The boxed beef market remains robust, with select cuts trading near $360 and choice cuts close to $361.

Industry watchers will be closely monitoring upcoming reports to see if supply constraints begin to ease, but for now, cattle producers face a delicate balance between high prices and high replacement costs in a market marked by tight supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here's John Jenkinson's Ag Minute:

Ag Minute: Beef cattle supplies remain tight despite industry optimism

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Recent obituaries and service times

SALINA, Kan. — Strong pitching was on display Friday, but Rock Creek came through with timely hits late to defeat McPherson 3-1 in eight innings in the Class 4A state baseball semifinals.

The Bullpups fall to 26-4 and will face Paola in the third place game.

McPherson broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth when Brock Richardson delivered an RBI single to plate the game's first run.

Rock Creek answered in the top of the seventh, tying the game on a fielder’s choice by Noah Valburg. The Mustangs then took the lead for good in the top of the eighth, scoring twice on a Donavan Debita RBI single and a sacrifice bunt by Valburg.

Ryker Zoeller earned the win for Rock Creek, tossing a complete game. He allowed just three hits and one unearned run over eight innings, striking out six and walking three.

Logan Beede took the loss for McPherson in relief. Starter Carter Allen was strong on the mound, giving up one run on three hits over 6 2/3 innings with four strikeouts.

Richardson went 2-for-3 to lead the Bullpups at the plate. Debita also had two hits for the Mustangs, while Valburg drove in two runs from the seven spot in the lineup.

⚾ McPherson falls in 4A semifinal

The McPherson and Inman softball teams will each play for their first-ever state championships after winning semifinal matchups earlier Friday afternoon.

McPherson advanced to the Class 4A title game in Salina, while Inman secured a spot in the Class 2-1A final in Pratt. Both championship games are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

SALINA, Kan. — No. 1 McPherson punched it's ticket into the Class 4A state title game with a dominant 7-0 shutout of No. 4 Clearwater on Friday at Salina South High School.

The Bullpups are now 30-0 after the victory, while the Indians fall to 25-5.

Addison Chapman tossed a complete-game three-hitter, striking out eight and walking just one.&nbsp;

Addie Herrera put the Bullpups on the board in the first inning with an RBI double. McPherson added another run in the second when Chapman helped her own cause with a run-scoring single down the left-field line.

Herrera finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs to lead McPherson at the plate. Chapman, Kynedi Huggard and Haely Hagemann also collected two hits each.

Clearwater’s Trista Welty took the loss, allowing seven runs, six earned, on 11 hits over six innings. Makena Hampton went 2-for-3 to lead the Indians offensively.

The Bullpups will go for their first-ever state title in program history at 5 p.m. this evening when they play the winner of Eudora/Fort Scott.

Clearwater - 000 000 0 - 0 3 1 McPherson - 210 031 x - 7 11 0 W: Chapman. L: Welty.&nbsp;

PRATT, Kan. — Inman punched its ticket to the Class 2-1A state softball championship in dramatic fashion Friday, walking off Bluestem 2-1 in the bottom of the 10th inning at the Green Sports Complex.

This is the second extra inning walk-off victory for the Teutons in the last 24 hours.

The game was tied at 1 when a Bluestem error allowed the winning run to score, sending the Teutons to their first-ever state title game.

Both teams showcased dominant pitching. Inman’s Lyla Levin went the distance, striking out nine and walking none while allowing one run on eight hits across 10 innings. Bluestem’s Pilar Cox was equally impressive, fanning 16 over nine innings and surrendering just two runs, one earned, on seven hits and three walks.

Bluestem took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jewel Carlton delivered an RBI single. Inman answered in the fourth, as Levin singled up the middle to drive in the tying run.

Levin, Maddi Parsons and Taylor Froese each tallied two hits for Inman, with Levin also recording an RBI and a 2-for-4 day at the plate. Inman swiped four bases in the win.

Lilly Husman led Bluestem with a 3-for-5 performance from the leadoff spot, while Carlton went 2-for-4 with the team’s lone RBI.

The Teutons will play in the title game at 5 p.m. against No. 5 Oskaloosa.&nbsp;

Leon-Bluestem - 100 000 000 0 - 1 8 2 Inman - 000 100 000 1 - 2 7 2 W: Levin. L: Cox.

🥎 McPherson cruises in 4A semifinal; Inman walks off into 2-1A title game

<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

MANHATTAN, Kan. — No. 5 Hesston pulled off a dramatic comeback on Friday at Tointon Family Stadium, erasing a six-run deficit and walking off No. 8 Sabetha 7-6 in the Class 3A state baseball semifinals.

The win comes a day after the Swathers picked up their first-ever state tournament victory. They improve to 18-6 on the season, while the Bluejays fall to 17-13 and will play for 3rd Place this afternoon.

Andrew Huxman delivered the game-winning hit with a single down the left field line in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring the decisive run after Hesston rallied from a 6-0 hole.

Sabetha jumped in front early, scoring one run on an error in the first and five more in the second on a string of hits, including a double by Jayton Meyer and a single by Reid Mitchell.

Hesston chipped away at the lead before completing the comeback in the seventh. Tanner McAllister tied the game and Huxman followed with the walk-off hit to send the Swathers to the championship.

Tim Rhodes earned the win in relief, tossing three hitless innings with four strikeouts and three walks. Huxman started the game on the mound, allowing three hits and six runs, four earned, over two innings.

McAllister led the way for the Hesston offense, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Keagan Shelite added two hits, and Jacob Burkholder stole a pair of bases.

Sabetha starter Isaac Hartter allowed seven runs (five earned) over six and one-third innings, striking out four. Mitchell went 2-for-4 to lead the Bluejays, while Meyer drove in two runs.

The Swathers will play at 5 p.m. in the title game against No. 3 Wichita-Trinity Academy.

Sabetha - 240 000 0 - 6 3 2 Hesston - 001 400 2 - 7 9 2 W: Rhodes. L: Hartter.&nbsp;

⚾ Swathers erase 6-run deficit to advance to 3A state title game

🎧⚾🥎 Area teams advance to state semifinals; 👟 state track & field is underway; ⚾ Monarchs open tonight

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs (0-0) will host the the Newton Rebels (0-0) at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park tonight with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Monarchs are slated for 19 home games with all of those games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Eagle Media's Sean Boston will have the play-by-play call tonight with Matt Peterson providing the video stream..&nbsp;

🎥⚾ WATCH LIVE: Hutch Monarchs open season at home against Newton Rebels 

<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/659165-kshsaa-state-championship-2025/results">CLICK HERE FOR LIVE RESULTS&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ae8862f4-ae5a-4e30-b96c-8d1f11a9b281">AREA BOYS QUALIFIERS</a>&nbsp; | <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/a0a1f377-bd47-4585-939e-82df73390494">AREA GIRLS QUALIFIERS</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Track/PDF/StateSchedule.pdf?992">MEET SCHEDULE</a>

A total of 120 Hutch Post-area student-athletes are set to compete in the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships on Friday and Saturday at Cessna Stadium on the Wichita State University campus.

The group includes 64 boys and 56 girls qualifiers from across the area.

👟 120 Hutch Post-area student-athletes take on state meet Friday and Saturday

<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/6c993b08-2745-46fb-b077-32d86883dfdf">WATCH</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/baseball/d1/2025/regionals/116">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://kuathletics.com/documents/2025/5/28/Kansas_Notes_at_Fayetteville_Regional.pdf">GAME NOTES</a>

⚾ No. 23 KU opens NCAA Tournament play in Fayetteville Friday

<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=64edbf13-3f11-461b-98f2-33826fdb1c59">WATCH</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://thevarsitynetwork.com/audioapplink/source/kansas-state-university:oas-1358/content/kstate:allaccess-Live-6009">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.statbroadcast.com/ncaa/site.php?sid=43837#tourny">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/documents/2025/5/29/052825_KStateBSB_Notes_Regionals.pdf">GAME NOTES</a>

⚾ K-State opens play at Austin Regional Friday

Both the McPherson Bullpups and Hesston Swathers advanced to their respective state semifinals with quarterfinal victories Thursday.

SALINA, Kan. — Ian Razak tossed a complete game and helped his own cause at the plate as No. 1 McPherson edged No. 8 Tonganoxie 3-1 in Thursday’s Class 4A state quarterfinal at Dean Evans Stadium.

The win moved the Bullpups into Friday's semifinal with a 26-3 record, while the Chieftains end their season with a 16-12 mark.

Razak allowed just five hits and an unearned run over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two. He also drove in the Bullpups’ first run with an RBI single in the bottom of the first.

Tonganoxie tied the game in the third, capitalizing on a McPherson error to score its lone run.

The Bullpups reclaimed the lead in the fifth. Brody Seidl delivered an RBI single, and Carter Allen followed with a sacrifice bunt to bring home another run, giving McPherson a 3-1 advantage it would not relinquish.

Seidl, Razak, Cade Strathman and Cowen Huggard each recorded a hit. Seidl, Razak and Allen each had an RBI, and Seidl added two stolen bases.

Tonganoxie’s Everett Holland led all hitters, going 2-for-3.

Merek Davenport was charged with the loss for Tonganoxie. He went six innings, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out four and walking three.

The Bullpups will face No. 5 St. George-Rock Creek on Friday at 1:15 p.m. in the semifinals.

Tonganoxie - 001 000 0 - 1 5 2 McPherson - 100 020 x - 3 4 3 W: Razak. L: Davenport.

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Blayne Wilson went 4-for-5 at the plate, helping lead No. 5 Hesston to its first-ever win at the state tournament with an 11-6 victory over No. 4 Silver Lake in the Class 3A quarterfinals Thursday at Tointon Family Stadium.

Hesston improves their record to 17-6 on the season, while Silver Lake ends their season 21-8.

Wilson singled in the third, fourth, fifth and seventh innings to pace the Swathers’ 14-hit attack.

Hesston broke through in the top of the third with three consecutive singles, including a two-run base hit from Keagan Shelite to open the scoring.

Silver Lake responded with a six-run fifth inning on just three hits. Trent Harris and Dysen Schooler each drove in two runs on groundouts, while Landon Miller and Drew Womack added RBI singles.

Brody Curran earned the win for the Swathers, allowing three hits and six runs over five innings with five strikeouts and five walks. Tanner McAllister and Andrew Huxman each pitched a scoreless inning in relief to close it out.

Shelite finished 2-for-5 with three RBIs, while Landen Meyer and McAllister added multiple hits.&nbsp;

Silver Lake was limited to four hits, one each by Miller, Cathcart, Johnson and Womack. The Eagles showed discipline at the plate with six walks, including two from Cathcart.

The Swathers will face No. 8 Sabetha on Friday at 11 a.m. The Bluejays defeated top-seed Jefferson West, 2-0 on Thursday.&nbsp;

Hesston - 005 230 1 - 11 14 0 Silver Lake - 000 060 0 - 6 4 2 W: Curran. L: Cathcart.

⚾ McPherson, Hesston each advance to state semifinals

🏀 Shockers add home-and-home with Broncos

FINNEY COUNTY—A southwest Kansas man is under investigation after a crash into a home.

Just after 11 p.m. Thursday, First Responders were dispatched to an injury accident in&nbsp; the 2000 block of Antler Ridge Drive in Garden City, according to a media release.

First responders found a Buick LeSabre had collided with a home. The investigation revealed that the driver, identified as 34-year-old Christopher Peterson, 34, was eastbound on Fair Street at a high rate of speed and lost control of his vehicle. 

The car struck and jumped a curb and veered across a yard before crashing into a house on Antler Ridge Drive. The impact caused the Buick to strike a parked vehicle inside the garage before coming to a rest. Fortunately, the home was unoccupied at the time of the crash.

Peterson was initially reported to be trapped inside the vehicle and refused treatment for minor injuries. Further investigation revealed Peterson was allegedly driving under the influence, and he was arrested. He was bookedk into the Finney County Jail on requested charges of DUI, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Speed Too Fast For Conditions, Driving Left of Center, and No Proof of Insurance.Another stark and sobering reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.&nbsp;

Driver jailed after crash into home in SW Kansas 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;bid farewell to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;in the Oval Office on Friday, providing a cordial conclusion to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-leaves-white-house-doge-savings-trump-666f0c3f890354fe836230826d9faa85">a tumultuous tenure</a>&nbsp;for the billionaire entrepreneur.

Musk is leaving his position spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency, and he'll be rededicating himself to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-trump-tesla-starlink-spacex-twitter-x-robotaxi-selfdriving-austin-e5206c756299f47e81fb90fb4734661a">running his businesses</a>, including electric automaker Tesla, rocket company SpaceX and social media platform X.

Trump credited Musk with “a colossal change in the old ways of doing business in Washington" and said some of his staff would remain in the administration. Musk, who wore all black, including a T-shirt that said “The Dogefather,” nodded along as the president listed contracts that had been cut under his watch.

“I think the DOGE team is doing an incredible job," Musk said after accepting a ceremonial key from the president. "They're going to continue to be doing an incredible job.”

He left a searing mark on the federal bureaucracy, including thousands of employees who were fired or pushed out. Some government functions were eviscerated, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, which had provided a lifeline for impoverished people around the world. Boston University researchers estimate that hundreds of thousands of people have already died as a result of the cuts.

The State Department responded by saying most of USAID's programs on HIV, known as PEPFAR, remained operational. However, the statement did not address any of the other cuts while calling on “other nations to dramatically increase their humanitarian efforts.”

Despite the upheaval, Musk also fell far short of his goals. After promising to cut $1 trillion or even $2 trillion in federal spending, he lowered expectations to only $150 billion in the current fiscal year.

It's unclear whether that target has been hit. The DOGE website tallies $175 billion in savings, but its information has been riddled with errors and embellishments.

Musk had a bruise next to his right eye in the Oval Office, which he explained by saying he had been “horsing around” with his young son.

“I said, go ahead punch me in the face,” he said. “And he did.”-

Trump said Musk had led the “most sweeping and consequential government reform effort in generations." He suggested that Musk is “really not leaving” and “he's going to be back and forth” to keep tabs on what's happening in the administration.

There were signs, however, that attention was already shifting away from Musk, who once appeared omnipresent in Washington. He often stood quietly next to Trump as reporters peppered him with questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/macron-brigitte-wife-french-president-vietnam-viral-video-82dbcd00d45b6a7718e855a9f4414a26">the French president</a>&nbsp;(he's great),&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-pardons-autopen-capitol-riot-1956c5dcb44ecba10cd9b01171ca9efa">Joe Biden's autopen</a>&nbsp;(it's bad) and the potential for pardoning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sean-diddy-combs">Sean “Diddy” Combs</a>&nbsp;(he'll look at the facts).

When Musk was asked about the impact of tariffs on Tesla — something Musk has expressed concerns about in the past — Trump jumped in to answer.

Musk, the world's richest person, recently said he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-campaign-donations-ff47d9b4cf02b2e63633edf37823c8ff">reduce his political donations</a>. He was Trump's top donor in last year's presidential campaign.

Trump appeared eager to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/elon-musk-trump-doge-acd2f29172f02b5f692dc94f9b7abe20">Musk's service</a>&nbsp;on a high note.

“This will be his last day, but not really, because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way," Trump wrote on social media on Thursday evening. "Elon is terrific!"

As a special government employee, Musk's position was designed to be temporary. However, he had speculated about staying “indefinitely,” working part time for the administration, if Trump still wanted his help.

Musk has brushed off questions about how DOGE would continue without him, even suggesting it could “gain momentum” in the future.

“DOGE is a way of life,” he told reporters recently. “Like Buddhism.”

🎥Elon Musk, with black eye, praised during Oval Office sendoff

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;has regained control over her entire body of work.

In a lengthy note posted to her official website on Friday, Swift announced: “All of the music I’ve ever made now belongs to me.”

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