<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580072693610.jpeg" alt="Auto World volunteers serve soup at the 23rd-annual Humane Society of the High Plains Soup R Bowl Sunday at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Auto World won the Golden Ladle award for their bacon cheeseburger soup." />
 <figcaption>Auto World volunteers serve soup at the 23rd-annual Humane Society of the High Plains Soup R Bowl Sunday at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Auto World won the Golden Ladle award for their bacon cheeseburger soup.</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580072943116.jpeg" alt="Platinum Group" />
 <figcaption>Platinum Group</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580072999839.jpeg" alt="A Bank of Hays volunteer serves jalapeno popper soup." />
 <figcaption>A Bank of Hays volunteer serves jalapeno popper soup.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580073153784.jpeg" alt="Dr. Dustin and Jessica Moffitt of Prospectively Healthy serve a white bean soup at the Soup R Bowl." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Dustin and Jessica Moffitt of Prospectively Healthy serve a white bean soup at the Soup R Bowl.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580073287230.jpeg" alt="Boy Scout Troop 131 volunteered for various duties at the Humane Society Soup R Bowl . Girl Scouts also volunteered to assemble tasting kits for the fundraiser." />
 <figcaption>Boy Scout Troop 131 volunteered for various duties at the Humane Society Soup R Bowl . Girl Scouts also volunteered to assemble tasting kits for the fundraiser.</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580074769073.jpeg" alt="Eighth St. Liquor" />
 <figcaption>Eighth St. Liquor</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580074832406.jpeg" alt="Sunflower Bank volunteers serve cracked chicken cream cheese slow cooker soup." />
 <figcaption>Sunflower Bank volunteers serve cracked chicken cream cheese slow cooker soup.</figcaption>
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Auto World wins Humane Society Soup R Bowl 

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Enter to win Old Chicago's Chiefs Big Game Giveaway

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Lee Norman, MD, recently delivered “2020: The State of the Health of Kansans” to the Kansas Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and the Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee. This is the first time KDHE has delivered such address to the Kansas Legislature.

“As the State Health Officer, it is my duty to look at the health of our state and provide education on what we as a state can do at an individual level, a community level and a government level,” said Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of KDHE. “Health isn’t just medical care. It’s our behaviors, our environment, our policies and our outcomes.”

Since 1990, Kansas has seen the greatest decline in its health rankings according to America’s Health Rankings published December 6, 2019.

“What this data suggests is that Kansas needs to improve access to care – addressing the shortage of medical professionals, financial impediments and geographic maldistribution among others,” said Dr. Norman. “It suggests that we have unhealthy behaviors that need to be remedied and that there’s a need for active illness prevention and intervention.”

Dr. Norman continued, “Every Kansan can take steps to improve our state’s health – increase your physical activity, be mindful of proper nutrition and make sure your family is up-to-date on immunizations. It’s also critical that we as a state look beyond ourselves and our families, to our neighbors and community members. It’s time for us to intervene and invest in the health of Kansans.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579890625416.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Lee Norman, MD, recently delivered “2020: The State of the Health of Kansans” to the Kansas Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and the Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee. This is the first time KDHE has delivered such address to the Kansas Legislature.“As the State Health Officer, it is my duty to look at the health of our state and provide education on what we as a state can do at an individual level, a community level and a government level,” said Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of KDHE. “Health isn’t just medical care. It’s our behaviors, our environment, our policies and our outcomes.”Since 1990, Kansas has seen the greatest decline in its health rankings according to America’s Health Rankings published December 6, 2019.<ol>
 <li>Behaviors&nbsp;- Kansas ranks #38 in the survey for obesity rates and #30 for smoking.</li><li>Environment&nbsp;- Kansas ranks #21 in the U.S. for the number of children living in poverty. Kansas’ chlamydia numbers are twice the healthiest state, at 465 per 100,000.</li><li>Policy&nbsp;- Kansas ranks #49 in U.S. for females receiving the HPV vaccine and #34 for males. Kansas ranks #32 for children 19-35 months receiving completed vaccines at 69 percent. Kansas ranks 40th&nbsp;for the amount of dollars in public health funding at $60/person. This is 4.5 times less than the top state at $281/per person.</li><li>Medical Care&nbsp;- There is low access to dentists, particularly in rural Kansas. Kansas ranks #38 with 50 dentists per 100,000. Kansas also ranks #35 for mental health providers.</li><li>Outcomes&nbsp;- Kansas ranks in the bottom half on cancer, cardiovascular and diabetes deaths; frequent mental distress; infant mortality; and premature deaths in years lost before age 75.</li>
 </ol>“What this data suggests is that Kansas needs to improve access to care – addressing the shortage of medical professionals, financial impediments and geographic maldistribution among others,” said Dr. Norman. “It suggests that we have unhealthy behaviors that need to be remedied and that there’s a need for active illness prevention and intervention.”Dr. Norman continued, “Every Kansan can take steps to improve our state’s health – increase your physical activity, be mindful of proper nutrition and make sure your family is up-to-date on immunizations. It’s also critical that we as a state look beyond ourselves and our families, to our neighbors and community members. It’s time for us to intervene and invest in the health of Kansans.”

KDHE: Low access to dentists, particularly in rural Kansas

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
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Recent obituaries

TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers recently announced the release of the Office of Rural Prosperity Listening Tour report.

The Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP), housed within the Kansas Department of Commerce, was created by Governor Kelly as a way to help revitalize and highlight rural Kansas communities.

The Office’s new report includes details regarding the unique needs and strengths of rural communities across Kansas that were gathered during a listening tour conducted this summer by Lt. Governor Rogers and outlines the Office’s recommendations for fostering growth and prosperity in these areas.

“I am proud of the work Lt. Governor Rogers has done to identify rural communities’ barriers to long-term prosperity,” Governor Kelly said. “We are committed to partnering with rural communities, to develop policies that help Kansans succeed.”

The report is a summary of conversations and public listening sessions with hundreds of Kansans about what prosperity means to their community.

“Through our discussions with rural communities, we learned a lot about rural Kansans’ unique challenges,” Lt. Governor Rogers said. “Which include housing; physical and digital infrastructure; economic and workforce development; high property taxes; and access to quality, affordable health care and child care.”

The report outlines several areas ORP will be focusing on in the coming months to begin addressing these challenges. It includes plans to create three Interagency Work Groups that will develop&nbsp;tools to help address the unique challenges facing rural communities in the areas of housing; childcare; and workforce recruitment, retention and education. These groups will bring together state and federal agencies to help identify what our state can be doing better when it comes to each area, find available resources and make recommendations for administrative changes.

“While the creation of the Office of Rural Prosperity and my listening tour were great first steps, we know there is much more work to do in order to facilitate growth and prosperity in rural communities,” Lt. Governor Rogers said. “I am excited to continue working to improve rural Kansans’ quality of life one step at a time.”

To access to full report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ruralkanprosper.ks.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F01%2FOffice-Of-Rural-Prosperity-2019-Report-1.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C179d82eccb2e4b98175808d7984e8bbd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637145335419210819&amp;sdata=Wc2HxpYV4wMcKVioZyiS5fxYb%2BprEabTFx8%2B9IY64qk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579892284345.jpeg" alt="Colby and Phillipsburg were visited during the listening tour of the new Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity." />
 <figcaption>Colby and Phillipsburg were visited during the listening tour of the new Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity.</figcaption>
 </figure>OFFICE OF GOV.TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers recently announced the release of the Office of Rural Prosperity Listening Tour report.The Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP), housed within the Kansas Department of Commerce, was created by Governor Kelly as a way to help revitalize and highlight rural Kansas communities.The Office’s new report includes details regarding the unique needs and strengths of rural communities across Kansas that were gathered during a listening tour conducted this summer by Lt. Governor Rogers and outlines the Office’s recommendations for fostering growth and prosperity in these areas.“I am proud of the work Lt. Governor Rogers has done to identify rural communities’ barriers to long-term prosperity,” Governor Kelly said. “We are committed to partnering with rural communities, to develop policies that help Kansans succeed.”The report is a summary of conversations and public listening sessions with hundreds of Kansans about what prosperity means to their community.“Through our discussions with rural communities, we learned a lot about rural Kansans’ unique challenges,” Lt. Governor Rogers said. “Which include housing; physical and digital infrastructure; economic and workforce development; high property taxes; and access to quality, affordable health care and child care.”The report outlines several areas ORP will be focusing on in the coming months to begin addressing these challenges. It includes plans to create three Interagency Work Groups that will develop&nbsp;tools to help address the unique challenges facing rural communities in the areas of housing; childcare; and workforce recruitment, retention and education. These groups will bring together state and federal agencies to help identify what our state can be doing better when it comes to each area, find available resources and make recommendations for administrative changes.“While the creation of the Office of Rural Prosperity and my listening tour were great first steps, we know there is much more work to do in order to facilitate growth and prosperity in rural communities,” Lt. Governor Rogers said. “I am excited to continue working to improve rural Kansans’ quality of life one step at a time.”To access to full report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ruralkanprosper.ks.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F01%2FOffice-Of-Rural-Prosperity-2019-Report-1.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C179d82eccb2e4b98175808d7984e8bbd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637145335419210819&amp;sdata=Wc2HxpYV4wMcKVioZyiS5fxYb%2BprEabTFx8%2B9IY64qk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.

Colby, Phillipsburg included in Rural Prosperity Listening Tour report

PRATT – Commission Big Game Permit winners were drawn by Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commissioners during their Jan. 9, 2020 meeting in Iola. 

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Commission Big Game Permit program allows eligible conservation organizations to apply for one of seven big game permits, which can then be sold to raise funds for pre-approved conservation projects. Organizations drawn may receive just one Commission Big Game Permit in a three-year period.

One elk, one antelope or up to seven deer permits are issued each year, depending on applicant preference. The permits are either-species/either-sex and are valid statewide during any season with legal equipment for that season; they do not count against other big game permits the license holder is eligible for.

Once the permit is sold, 15 percent of the total sale price is kept by the organization. The remainder raised is then remitted to KDWPT to be utilized on a jointly determined conservation project.

Seven deer permits were awarded to the following conservation groups this year:

Ducks Unlimited, Cheyenne Bottoms Chapter

Contact: Kim Schneweis, Chairman,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cheyennebottoms.du@gmail.com" target="_blank">cheyennebottoms.du@gmail.com</a>, (620) 282-9592

Pheasants Forever, North Fork Tailgunners Chapter

Contact: Chris Blackledge, Regional Rep.,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cblackledge@pheasantsforever.org" target="_blank">cblackledge@pheasantsforever.org</a>, (620) 767-2121

Ducks Unlimited, Prairie Dog Chapter

Contact: Josh Williams, Regional Director West Region,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jwilliams@ducks.org" target="_blank">jwilliams@ducks.org</a>, (785) 443-4486

Contact: Chris Young, Regional Director East,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cyoung@ducks.org" target="_blank">cyoung@ducks.org</a>, (913) 333-2922

Ducks Unlimited, Kiowa County Chapter

Contact: Jamie Brown, Area Chair,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:brownauction@att.net" target="_blank">brownauction@att.net</a>, (620) 723-2111

Ducks Unlimited, Woodson County Chapter

For more information on this program, visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission or contact Commission secretary Sheila Kemmis at (620) 672-5911.

KDWPTPRATT – Commission Big Game Permit winners were drawn by Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commissioners during their Jan. 9, 2020 meeting in Iola. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Commission Big Game Permit program allows eligible conservation organizations to apply for one of seven big game permits, which can then be sold to raise funds for pre-approved conservation projects. Organizations drawn may receive just one Commission Big Game Permit in a three-year period.One elk, one antelope or up to seven deer permits are issued each year, depending on applicant preference. The permits are either-species/either-sex and are valid statewide during any season with legal equipment for that season; they do not count against other big game permits the license holder is eligible for.Once the permit is sold, 15 percent of the total sale price is kept by the organization. The remainder raised is then remitted to KDWPT to be utilized on a jointly determined conservation project.Seven deer permits were awarded to the following conservation groups this year:Ducks Unlimited, Cheyenne Bottoms ChapterContact: Kim Schneweis, Chairman,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cheyennebottoms.du@gmail.com" target="_blank">cheyennebottoms.du@gmail.com</a>, (620) 282-9592Pheasants Forever, North Fork Tailgunners ChapterContact: Chris Blackledge, Regional Rep.,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cblackledge@pheasantsforever.org" target="_blank">cblackledge@pheasantsforever.org</a>, (620) 767-2121Ducks Unlimited, Prairie Dog ChapterContact: Josh Williams, Regional Director West Region,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jwilliams@ducks.org" target="_blank">jwilliams@ducks.org</a>, (785) 443-4486Ducks Unlimited, Topeka ChapterContact: Chris Young, Regional Director East,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cyoung@ducks.org" target="_blank">cyoung@ducks.org</a>, (913) 333-2922Ducks Unlimited, Kiowa County ChapterContact: Jamie Brown, Area Chair,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:brownauction@att.net" target="_blank">brownauction@att.net</a>, (620) 723-2111Ducks Unlimited, St. Paul ChapterContact: Chris Young, Regional Director East,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cyoung@ducks.org" target="_blank">cyoung@ducks.org</a>, (913) 333-2922Ducks Unlimited, Woodson County ChapterContact: Chris Young, Regional Director East,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cyoung@ducks.org" target="_blank">cyoung@ducks.org</a>, (913) 333-2922For more information on this program, visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission or contact Commission secretary Sheila Kemmis at (620) 672-5911.

Area conservation groups awarded KDWPT big game permits

<a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.&nbsp;</a><figure>
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Three-day weather outlook

The Hays Police Department will be conducting training on Tue., January 28 and Wed., Jan. 29, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 2701 Augusta Lane, Hays.

Police officers will be training with special equipment. This training is being done with great care and safety.

As a home or business owner, you may see law enforcement officers move through your area. There is no need to be alarmed. The officers are merely conducting a realistic training exercise and there is no danger to the community.

If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the on-site supervisor Lt. Tim Greenwood or Deputy Chief Brian Dawson at 785-625-1030.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574117285695.jpeg" alt="HPD SSRT training (Photo courtesy&nbsp; HPD)" />
 <figcaption>HPD SSRT training (Photo courtesy&nbsp; HPD)</figcaption>
 </figure>HPDThe Hays Police Department will be conducting training on Tue., January 28 and Wed., Jan. 29, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 2701 Augusta Lane, Hays.Police officers will be training with special equipment. This training is being done with great care and safety.As a home or business owner, you may see law enforcement officers move through your area. There is no need to be alarmed. The officers are merely conducting a realistic training exercise and there is no danger to the community.If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the on-site supervisor Lt. Tim Greenwood or Deputy Chief Brian Dawson at 785-625-1030.

HPD to conduct SSRT training this week

LAWRENCE – The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas has announced the opening of “What Would a Woman Offer Her Country?: Elizabeth Dole’s Ground-breaking, Trail-blazing Life of Service,” the inaugural exhibition of the newly opened Elizabeth Dole Gallery and Reading Room at the institute.

The exhibition features over 100 items from her personal collections, documenting her career across six decades of public service. The title is inspired by a 1999 speech given by Dole, in which she asked, “What would I as a woman offer our country?”

“This centennial year of women’s suffrage, as well as an election year, is an ideal opportunity to recognize the career of Senator Elizabeth Dole as a prime example of women’s leadership in public service and politics over the last century,” said Dole Institute Associate Director Audrey Coleman, who oversaw the project’s development.

“The question the senator posed in her ’99 exploratory speech suggests a need to defend her qualifications for presidential leadership – even after, at that time, nearly four decades of service at the highest levels of U.S. government – in a way that women are still too frequently expected to do,” Coleman said. “We sought to answer that question in this exhibit based on her career archive, showcasing her achievements in policy and politics as a leader, mentor and icon.”

In 2017, the former U.S. senator announced the gift of her personal papers to the archives at the Dole Institute of Politics, creating the Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archive &amp; Special Collections.

Dole is married to Bob Dole, former U.S. Senator from Russell.

In honor of this gift, the Dole Institute renovated the archives research room to become a multipurpose space for showcasing collections through both exhibitions and research. The space will be officially dedicated later in spring 2020.

The exhibition will be on display at the Dole Institute through May 2020. The Elizabeth Dole Gallery and Reading Room is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The gallery is closed on Mondays. Admission to the Dole Institute, Elizabeth Dole Gallery and events are free.

The Dole Institute is dedicated to promoting political and civic participation as well as civil discourse in a bipartisan, philosophically balanced manner. It is located in KU’s West District and houses the Dole Archive and Special Collections. Through its robust public programming, congressional archive and museum, the Dole Institute strives to celebrate public service and the legacies of U.S. Senators Bob Dole and Elizabeth Dole.

More information on all programs, as well as ongoing additions to the schedule, can be found on the Dole Institute’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.doleinstitute.org/">www.doleinstitute.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579889922625.png" alt="Elizabeth Dole Gallery and Reading Room at&nbsp; KU" />
 <figcaption>Elizabeth Dole Gallery and Reading Room at&nbsp; KU</figcaption>
 </figure>KU NEWS SERVICELAWRENCE – The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas has announced the opening of “What Would a Woman Offer Her Country?: Elizabeth Dole’s Ground-breaking, Trail-blazing Life of Service,” the inaugural exhibition of the newly opened Elizabeth Dole Gallery and Reading Room at the institute.The exhibition features over 100 items from her personal collections, documenting her career across six decades of public service. The title is inspired by a 1999 speech given by Dole, in which she asked, “What would I as a woman offer our country?”“This centennial year of women’s suffrage, as well as an election year, is an ideal opportunity to recognize the career of Senator Elizabeth Dole as a prime example of women’s leadership in public service and politics over the last century,” said Dole Institute Associate Director Audrey Coleman, who oversaw the project’s development.“The question the senator posed in her ’99 exploratory speech suggests a need to defend her qualifications for presidential leadership – even after, at that time, nearly four decades of service at the highest levels of U.S. government – in a way that women are still too frequently expected to do,” Coleman said. “We sought to answer that question in this exhibit based on her career archive, showcasing her achievements in policy and politics as a leader, mentor and icon.”In 2017, the former U.S. senator announced the gift of her personal papers to the archives at the Dole Institute of Politics, creating the Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archive &amp; Special Collections.Dole is married to Bob Dole, former U.S. Senator from Russell.In honor of this gift, the Dole Institute renovated the archives research room to become a multipurpose space for showcasing collections through both exhibitions and research. The space will be officially dedicated later in spring 2020.The exhibition will be on display at the Dole Institute through May 2020. The Elizabeth Dole Gallery and Reading Room is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The gallery is closed on Mondays. Admission to the Dole Institute, Elizabeth Dole Gallery and events are free.The Dole Institute is dedicated to promoting political and civic participation as well as civil discourse in a bipartisan, philosophically balanced manner. It is located in KU’s West District and houses the Dole Archive and Special Collections. Through its robust public programming, congressional archive and museum, the Dole Institute strives to celebrate public service and the legacies of U.S. Senators Bob Dole and Elizabeth Dole.More information on all programs, as well as ongoing additions to the schedule, can be found on the Dole Institute’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.doleinstitute.org/">www.doleinstitute.org</a>.

Elizabeth Dole Gallery to open at KU

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Today's Community Calendar

RUSSELL COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Accord driven by&nbsp; Trudy L. Haynes, 51, Hutchinson, was westbound in the eastbound lanes on Interstate 70 seven miles west of Russell.

The driver turned the Honda around at an unknown location and was then eastbound in the eastbound lanes. 

The Honda ran off the roadway to the right, struck a drainage ditch, went airborne, re-entered the roadway, travelled a short distance, exited the roadway to the right again, traveled through a KDOT fence and came to rest in a creek that feeds into a pond.

EMS transported Haynes to the hospital in Russell. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Accord driven by&nbsp; Trudy L. Haynes, 51, Hutchinson, was westbound in the eastbound lanes on Interstate 70 seven miles west of Russell.The driver turned the Honda around at an unknown location and was then eastbound in the eastbound lanes. The Honda ran off the roadway to the right, struck a drainage ditch, went airborne, re-entered the roadway, travelled a short distance, exited the roadway to the right again, traveled through a KDOT fence and came to rest in a creek that feeds into a pond.EMS transported Haynes to the hospital in Russell. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman hospitalized after car lands in Russell Co. creek

MIAMI (AP) — Kansas City waited 50 years to get back to a Super Bowl. And then the Chiefs had to wait a few extra minutes once they got to Miami.

It took workers at Miami International Airport about three attempts to get one of the rolling staircases that the Chiefs would use to deplane properly lined up with the front door of their chartered jet. The delay was brief, and coach Andy Reid and the rest of the Chiefs’ delegation to make their way into the hangar for the short walk to waiting buses.

A handful of local politicians and officials were at the airport to greet the teams, as loud hip-hop music blared through the maintenance hangar that was being used for the arrivals.

No players or coaches spoke to reporters inside the hangar. The first media session for the Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers — who arrived a couple hours after the Chiefs did on Sunday — is Monday night, when the NFL has Super Bowl Opening Night at Marlins Park.

Super Bowl 54 is next Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Even as football enters its biggest week, basketball was on the teams' minds. The teams both paid tribute Sunday on social media to Kobe Bryant, whose shocking death in a helicopter crash earlier Sunday reverberated around the world.

“A legend gone too soon," the 49ers wrote.

Added Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark, on Twitter: “I'm devastated, RIP to my idol, Bean, 8, 24, the Goat, the Black Mamba. Wow." And Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland called it a “sad day in America."

A handful of volunteers greeted players, coaches and staff as they made their way down the stairs. Everyone was handed a floral baseball cap, and many players held their phones out to shoot video of the moment they arrived at the Super Bowl.

A few of the 49ers danced once they deplaned, in time with the music coming from a nearby DJ. Even the flight attendants on the Chiefs’ flight were celebrating the moment— they gathered at the top of the stairs for a group photo once their passengers deplaned, and then a few of them pulled out their phones for some pictures of players as well.

MIAMI (AP) — Kansas City waited 50 years to get back to a Super Bowl. And then the Chiefs had to wait a few extra minutes once they got to Miami.It took workers at Miami International Airport about three attempts to get one of the rolling staircases that the Chiefs would use to deplane properly lined up with the front door of their chartered jet. The delay was brief, and coach Andy Reid and the rest of the Chiefs’ delegation to make their way into the hangar for the short walk to waiting buses.A handful of local politicians and officials were at the airport to greet the teams, as loud hip-hop music blared through the maintenance hangar that was being used for the arrivals.No players or coaches spoke to reporters inside the hangar. The first media session for the Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers — who arrived a couple hours after the Chiefs did on Sunday — is Monday night, when the NFL has Super Bowl Opening Night at Marlins Park.Super Bowl 54 is next Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.Even as football enters its biggest week, basketball was on the teams' minds. The teams both paid tribute Sunday on social media to Kobe Bryant, whose shocking death in a helicopter crash earlier Sunday reverberated around the world.“A legend gone too soon," the 49ers wrote.Added Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark, on Twitter: “I'm devastated, RIP to my idol, Bean, 8, 24, the Goat, the Black Mamba. Wow." And Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland called it a “sad day in America."A handful of volunteers greeted players, coaches and staff as they made their way down the stairs. Everyone was handed a floral baseball cap, and many players held their phones out to shoot video of the moment they arrived at the Super Bowl.A few of the 49ers danced once they deplaned, in time with the music coming from a nearby DJ. Even the flight attendants on the Chiefs’ flight were celebrating the moment— they gathered at the top of the stairs for a group photo once their passengers deplaned, and then a few of them pulled out their phones for some pictures of players as well.

Chiefs, 49ers arrive in Miami for Super Bowl week

PLAINVILLE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs outscored Phillipsburg
10-4 to start the game and never trailed the rest of the way as they claimed
the 2020 Mid-Continent League tournament championship Saturday with a 59-46 win
over the Panthers.

TMP had lost the last two MCL title games to the Panthers and tt's the first MCL tournament title for the Monarchs since 2016.

Phillipsburg opened the game with a 4-2 lead but TMP
answered with a, 8-0 run capped off by back-to-back Ryan Stoecklein field goals
to put the Monarchs up 10-4. They extended their lead to seven, at 16-9 before
taking a 16-11 lead into the second quarter.

The Panthers trimmed TMP’s lead to 16-13 to open the second
quarter when Jackson Schulte hit his first of five three-pointers on the night
to put TMP up 19-13. A Lucas Lang field goal midway through the second quarter
gave TMP their largest lead of the first half at 26-17.

Phillipsburg finished the first half with a flurry of field
goals and trimmed the TMP lead to just 28-22.

The Monarchs extended their lead to 10 at 39-29 to open the third
quarter when Schulte hit back-to-back threes and Stoecklein added his second three
of the game. The lead grew to 12 at 44-32 on a Lucas Lang three-pointer. TMP
led 48-38 after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter led by as many as 15 on their way to
the 59-46 win.

Jackson Schulte led three Monarchs in double-figures with 15 and Carson Jacobs finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Ty Sides for Phillipsburg led all scorers with 19 points.

TMP improves 10-1 with their 10th straight win. Phillipsburg
drops to 8-5 on the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580015287130.jpeg" alt="TMP Bball MCL 2020.jpg" />
 <figcaption>TMP Bball MCL 2020.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>PLAINVILLE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs outscored Phillipsburg
10-4 to start the game and never trailed the rest of the way as they claimed
the 2020 Mid-Continent League tournament championship Saturday with a 59-46 win
over the Panthers.TMP had lost the last two MCL title games to the Panthers and tt's the first MCL tournament title for the Monarchs since 2016.Coach Bill Meagher postgame<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/749542141&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Phillipsburg opened the game with a 4-2 lead but TMP
answered with a, 8-0 run capped off by back-to-back Ryan Stoecklein field goals
to put the Monarchs up 10-4. They extended their lead to seven, at 16-9 before
taking a 16-11 lead into the second quarter.The Panthers trimmed TMP’s lead to 16-13 to open the second
quarter when Jackson Schulte hit his first of five three-pointers on the night
to put TMP up 19-13. A Lucas Lang field goal midway through the second quarter
gave TMP their largest lead of the first half at 26-17.Phillipsburg finished the first half with a flurry of field
goals and trimmed the TMP lead to just 28-22.The Monarchs extended their lead to 10 at 39-29 to open the third
quarter when Schulte hit back-to-back threes and Stoecklein added his second three
of the game. The lead grew to 12 at 44-32 on a Lucas Lang three-pointer. TMP
led 48-38 after three quarters.In the fourth quarter led by as many as 15 on their way to
the 59-46 win.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/749541619&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Jackson Schulte led three Monarchs in double-figures with 15 and Carson Jacobs finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds.Ty Sides for Phillipsburg led all scorers with 19 points.TMP improves 10-1 with their 10th straight win. Phillipsburg
drops to 8-5 on the season.

TMP boys claim MCL tournament title

Hays High could not overcome a season high 21 turnovers as their seven game winning streak was snapped by Pine Creek High School in Colby on Saturday.

Hays led by as many as seven in the second quarter while Pine Creek led by eight in the third quarter.&nbsp; Each time the teams canceled the lead.&nbsp; A 14-3 run by the Indians in the second half erased an eight point deficit and put them up 40-37 with 4:26 remaining.&nbsp; The lead switched hands three more times in the final three minutes.&nbsp;

The Indians final lead came with 2:44 left on a pair of free throws.&nbsp; Pine Creek made nine of their final eleven free throws to keep Hays their lead and a 50-46 victory.&nbsp; The Eagles had started the game four of ten from the line before going eleven of fourteen in the fourth quarter.

Dalyn Schwarz and TJ Nunnery each scored sixteen points.&nbsp; Hays fall to 8-3 on the year and #10-5A Pine Creek improves to 15-2.

Carson Kieffer, Dylan Ruder and Jace Linenberger were named to the All-Tournament team.&nbsp; Ruder was also honored on the All-Academic Team.&nbsp; Linenberger was named the tournament's "Off-The-Bench" award as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;Jason Krannawitter was given the Gary Garrettson Sportsmanship Award.

The Indians are on the road on January 31st in Salina to take on the Central Mustangs.&nbsp;

Hays High could not overcome a season high 21 turnovers as their seven game winning streak was snapped by Pine Creek High School in Colby on Saturday.Hays led by as many as seven in the second quarter while Pine Creek led by eight in the third quarter.&nbsp; Each time the teams canceled the lead.&nbsp; A 14-3 run by the Indians in the second half erased an eight point deficit and put them up 40-37 with 4:26 remaining.&nbsp; The lead switched hands three more times in the final three minutes.&nbsp;HighlightsThe Indians final lead came with 2:44 left on a pair of free throws.&nbsp; Pine Creek made nine of their final eleven free throws to keep Hays their lead and a 50-46 victory.&nbsp; The Eagles had started the game four of ten from the line before going eleven of fourteen in the fourth quarter.Dalyn Schwarz and TJ Nunnery each scored sixteen points.&nbsp; Hays fall to 8-3 on the year and #10-5A Pine Creek improves to 15-2.Coach Alex HutchinsCarson Kieffer, Dylan Ruder and Jace Linenberger were named to the All-Tournament team.&nbsp; Ruder was also honored on the All-Academic Team.&nbsp; Linenberger was named the tournament's "Off-The-Bench" award as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;Jason Krannawitter was given the Gary Garrettson Sportsmanship Award.The Indians are on the road on January 31st in Salina to take on the Central Mustangs.&nbsp;

Hays fall in championship game in Colby

MARYVILLE, Mo. – No. 2 Northwest Missouri State shot 61-percent in
the first half including 10-of-19 from 3-point range to build a 28-point
halftime lead and beat Fort Hays State 83-57 Saturday afternoon at Bearcat
Arena. 

It ties the Tigers (7-11, 1-9 MIAA) worst loss to the Bearcats (18-1, 8-1
MIAA) matching a 26-point setback in 2007. The Bearcats have won 10 straight and
56 of their last 57 games and ran their home winning streak to 28 games, the second
longest current streak in Division II.

The Tigers got off to a good start. Calvin Harrington, who made his first start of the season, hit a 3-pointer to tie the game 5-5 then
Jared Vitztum scored near the rim to pull FHSU with 13-11 at the first media
timeout but Northwest scored the next 11 points and were never threatened
again.



FHSU outscored NWMSU 38-36 in the second half, but the first half damage was too much to overcome. The Tigers brought the Bearcat lead down to 21 by opening the second half on a 12-5 run, but that was as close as they could get after halftime. The Tigers shot 53.8 percent from the field and 60 percent beyond the 3-point line after the break.

Alvin Thompson scored 10 of his team-high 12 points in the second half. Jared Vitztum added 11 along with a team-high seven rebounds.

Sophomore Trevor Hudgins recorded a triple-doublefor Northwest scoring 10 points along with a career-high 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

MARYVILLE, Mo. – No. 2 Northwest Missouri State shot 61-percent in
the first half including 10-of-19 from 3-point range to build a 28-point
halftime lead and beat Fort Hays State 83-57 Saturday afternoon at Bearcat
Arena. It ties the Tigers (7-11, 1-9 MIAA) worst loss to the Bearcats (18-1, 8-1
MIAA) matching a 26-point setback in 2007. The Bearcats have won 10 straight and
56 of their last 57 games and ran their home winning streak to 28 games, the second
longest current streak in Division II.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/749503744&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>


<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/749503729&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>

</div>The Tigers got off to a good start. Calvin Harrington, who made his first start of the season, hit a 3-pointer to tie the game 5-5 then
Jared Vitztum scored near the rim to pull FHSU with 13-11 at the first media
timeout but Northwest scored the next 11 points and were never threatened
again.

FHSU outscored NWMSU 38-36 in the second half, but the first half damage was too much to overcome. The Tigers brought the Bearcat lead down to 21 by opening the second half on a 12-5 run, but that was as close as they could get after halftime. The Tigers shot 53.8 percent from the field and 60 percent beyond the 3-point line after the break.Alvin Thompson scored 10 of his team-high 12 points in the second half. Jared Vitztum added 11 along with a team-high seven rebounds.Sophomore Trevor Hudgins recorded a triple-doublefor Northwest scoring 10 points along with a career-high 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Second-ranked Bearcats too much for Tiger men



KEARNEY, Neb. - 22nd-ranked Fort Hays State wrestling turned in a 1-2 record at the eighth annual Midwest Duals Saturday (Jan. 25), defeating Northwest Kansas Tech before a pair of narrow defeats against Chadron State and No. 23 Northern State. The Tigers' dual record now sits at 4-4 on the year.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;all finished the day a perfect 3-0, with No. 2&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;turning in a 2-0 record to go along with a win via forfeit. All three of Cooper's victories were via pin.

The Tigers opened the day with a big 34-16 win over Northwest Kansas Tech thanks in large part to three Maverick forfeits. Fort Hays State came away victorious in four of the seven matches thanks to wins from Verhaeghe, Jones,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5388">Jordan Davis</a>&nbsp;and Cooper.

Fort Hays State fell behind 10-0 against Chadron State and could never quite come back, falling 25-22. Ball got the Tigers on the board with a dominating 15-0 tech fall before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;helped close the gap to 10-8 with an 8-4 decision. Verhaeghe (MD 20-8) and Jones (MD 12-1) both picked up major decision wins for the Tigers, but not before the Eagles ran away with wins at 157 and 165 pounds. Cooper finished things off with a first-period pin, but it wasn't quite enough to complete the comeback.

The Tigers found themselves in another early hole against No. 23 Northern State, trailing 11-0 after two bouts before falling 24-19. The Black and Gold came away with wins in five of the next eight matchups, but another tech fall and another pin gave the Wolves enough of an edge to seal the victory. Ball picked up another big win at 141 pounds, earning four team points with a 16-4 major decision.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5543">Tristan Porsch</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers stay in it with a 7-5 win at 157 pounds before Verhaeghe (Dec 3-0) picked up his third win of the day at 174 pounds. Jones followed with his third victory of the morning before Cooper tallied his third pin of the day.

Fort Hays State returns home to continue conference action on Friday (Jan. 31) when the Tigers host No. 6 Central Oklahoma. The dual is set to begin at 7 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

#22 Fort Hays State 34, Northwest Kansas Tech 16

125 - Taly Perez over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5385">Colin Cole</a>, tech fall (20-2, 6:25)

133 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5386">Conrad Cole</a>&nbsp;wins via forfeit

141 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;wins via forfeit

149 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;wins via forfeit

157 - James Foy over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5543">Tristan Porsch</a>, fall (4:37)

165 - Chinges Tsermaa over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>, tech fall (18-1, 3:54)

174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;over Jacobi Deal, decision (6-0)

184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;over Jacari Deal, major decision (11-2)

197 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5388">Jordan Davis</a>&nbsp;over Kade Holman, decision (8-4)

285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;over Umari Dixon-Gordon, fall (3:24)

125 - Tate Stoddard over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5385">Colin Cole</a>, fall (2:08)

133 - Brandon Kile over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5386">Conrad Cole</a>, major decision (9-1)

141 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;over Joseph Ritzen, tech fall (15-0, 4:02)

149 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;over Chance Karst, decision (8-4)

157 - Chase Clasen over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5392">Josh Lenker</a>, tech fall (18-2, 4:03)

165 - Tate Allison over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>, major decision (10-2)

174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;over Gavin Eason, major decision (20-8)

184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;over Terry Winstead, major decision (12-1)

197 - Wade French over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5383">Tyler Boone</a>, fall (1:37)

285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;over Mason Watt, fall (2:58)

#23 Northern State 24, #22 Fort Hays State 19

125 - Landen Fischer over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5385">Colin Cole</a>, major decision (18-7)

133 - Dayne Morton over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>, fall (2:52)

141 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;over Kenny Jones, major decision (16-4)

149 - Caden Moore over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>, decision (5-3)

157 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5543">Tristan Porsch</a>&nbsp;over Walker Carr, decision (7-5)

165 - James Burks over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>, tech fall (17-2, 4:58)

174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;over Tanner Wiese, decision (3-0)

184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;over Marcus Placide, decision (3-1)

197 - Diego Gallegos over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5388">Jordan Davis</a>, fall (6:58)

285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;over Caleb Lefferdink, fall (5:00)

FHSU Sports Information

KEARNEY, Neb. - 22nd-ranked Fort Hays State wrestling turned in a 1-2 record at the eighth annual Midwest Duals Saturday (Jan. 25), defeating Northwest Kansas Tech before a pair of narrow defeats against Chadron State and No. 23 Northern State. The Tigers' dual record now sits at 4-4 on the year.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;all finished the day a perfect 3-0, with No. 2&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;turning in a 2-0 record to go along with a win via forfeit. All three of Cooper's victories were via pin.The Tigers opened the day with a big 34-16 win over Northwest Kansas Tech thanks in large part to three Maverick forfeits. Fort Hays State came away victorious in four of the seven matches thanks to wins from Verhaeghe, Jones,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5388">Jordan Davis</a>&nbsp;and Cooper.Fort Hays State fell behind 10-0 against Chadron State and could never quite come back, falling 25-22. Ball got the Tigers on the board with a dominating 15-0 tech fall before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;helped close the gap to 10-8 with an 8-4 decision. Verhaeghe (MD 20-8) and Jones (MD 12-1) both picked up major decision wins for the Tigers, but not before the Eagles ran away with wins at 157 and 165 pounds. Cooper finished things off with a first-period pin, but it wasn't quite enough to complete the comeback.The Tigers found themselves in another early hole against No. 23 Northern State, trailing 11-0 after two bouts before falling 24-19. The Black and Gold came away with wins in five of the next eight matchups, but another tech fall and another pin gave the Wolves enough of an edge to seal the victory. Ball picked up another big win at 141 pounds, earning four team points with a 16-4 major decision.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5543">Tristan Porsch</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers stay in it with a 7-5 win at 157 pounds before Verhaeghe (Dec 3-0) picked up his third win of the day at 174 pounds. Jones followed with his third victory of the morning before Cooper tallied his third pin of the day.Fort Hays State returns home to continue conference action on Friday (Jan. 31) when the Tigers host No. 6 Central Oklahoma. The dual is set to begin at 7 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.#22 Fort Hays State 34, Northwest Kansas Tech 16125 - Taly Perez over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5385">Colin Cole</a>, tech fall (20-2, 6:25)133 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5386">Conrad Cole</a>&nbsp;wins via forfeit141 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;wins via forfeit149 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;wins via forfeit157 - James Foy over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5543">Tristan Porsch</a>, fall (4:37)165 - Chinges Tsermaa over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>, tech fall (18-1, 3:54)174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;over Jacobi Deal, decision (6-0)184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;over Jacari Deal, major decision (11-2)197 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5388">Jordan Davis</a>&nbsp;over Kade Holman, decision (8-4)285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;over Umari Dixon-Gordon, fall (3:24)Chadron State 25, #22 Fort Hays State 22125 - Tate Stoddard over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5385">Colin Cole</a>, fall (2:08)133 - Brandon Kile over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5386">Conrad Cole</a>, major decision (9-1)141 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;over Joseph Ritzen, tech fall (15-0, 4:02)149 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;over Chance Karst, decision (8-4)157 - Chase Clasen over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5392">Josh Lenker</a>, tech fall (18-2, 4:03)165 - Tate Allison over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>, major decision (10-2)174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;over Gavin Eason, major decision (20-8)184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;over Terry Winstead, major decision (12-1)197 - Wade French over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5383">Tyler Boone</a>, fall (1:37)285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;over Mason Watt, fall (2:58)#23 Northern State 24, #22 Fort Hays State 19125 - Landen Fischer over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5385">Colin Cole</a>, major decision (18-7)133 - Dayne Morton over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>, fall (2:52)141 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;over Kenny Jones, major decision (16-4)149 - Caden Moore over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>, decision (5-3)157 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5543">Tristan Porsch</a>&nbsp;over Walker Carr, decision (7-5)165 - James Burks over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>, tech fall (17-2, 4:58)174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;over Tanner Wiese, decision (3-0)184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;over Marcus Placide, decision (3-1)197 - Diego Gallegos over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5388">Jordan Davis</a>, fall (6:58)285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;over Caleb Lefferdink, fall (5:00)

No. 22 FHSU wrestling picks up one win at Midwest Duals

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State outscored Northwest
Missouri State 17-6 over the first six-plus minutes of the third quarter to
turn a seven-point halftime deficit into a six-point lead and beat the Bearcats
70-59 Saturday afternoon at Bearcat Arena. 

The 10th-ranked Tigers (16-3, 7-3 MIAA) overcame 32-percent shooting in the first half by going 12-of-24 in the second half and 21-of-22
from the free throw line after halftime.

FHSU used a 9-0 first quarter run to turn a five-point
deficit into a four-point lead but Northwest (8-10, 3-6 MIAA) responded with a
17-5 run to go up eight with 2:19 to play in the second quarter. The Bearcats,
who have lost five straight, led 32-25 at halftime.

The Tigers built their biggest lead of the game at 56-45
with 7:42 to play in the fourth quarter but the Bearcats closed the gap to five
with 1:28 left. FHSU scored the final six points of the game from the free
throw line to push the lead back to 11.

Jaden Hobbs scored 17 of her game-high 22-points in the
second half including 10-of-11 from the free throw line.

Kacey Kennett went 10-for-10 from the foul line and scored
16. It's the&nbsp; most makes without a miss for a Tiger in nearly five years. Taylor Rolfs added 15 points.

FHSU didn’t make a 3-pointer in the final three quarters and
finished 2-of-17 from beyond the arc. 

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State outscored Northwest
Missouri State 17-6 over the first six-plus minutes of the third quarter to
turn a seven-point halftime deficit into a six-point lead and beat the Bearcats
70-59 Saturday afternoon at Bearcat Arena. The 10th-ranked Tigers (16-3, 7-3 MIAA) overcame 32-percent shooting in the first half by going 12-of-24 in the second half and 21-of-22
from the free throw line after halftime.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/749456395&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>


<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/749456395&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>FHSU used a 9-0 first quarter run to turn a five-point
deficit into a four-point lead but Northwest (8-10, 3-6 MIAA) responded with a
17-5 run to go up eight with 2:19 to play in the second quarter. The Bearcats,
who have lost five straight, led 32-25 at halftime.The Tigers built their biggest lead of the game at 56-45
with 7:42 to play in the fourth quarter but the Bearcats closed the gap to five
with 1:28 left. FHSU scored the final six points of the game from the free
throw line to push the lead back to 11.Jaden Hobbs scored 17 of her game-high 22-points in the
second half including 10-of-11 from the free throw line.Kacey Kennett went 10-for-10 from the foul line and scored
16. It's the&nbsp; most makes without a miss for a Tiger in nearly five years. Taylor Rolfs added 15 points.FHSU didn’t make a 3-pointer in the final three quarters and
finished 2-of-17 from beyond the arc.

Solid second half lifts 10th-ranked FHSU women past NW MissourI State

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas Medical Center is testing a male contraceptive gel that men apply to their shoulders. The school's research institution is conducting a clinical trial for the contraceptive and searching for participating couples. 

The gel is a mixture of Nestorone and testosterone. Nestorone blocks the male hormone production needed to generate sperm. Testosterone in the gel replaces testosterone usually produced in the male body. 

Dr. Ajay Nangia is the center's vice chair of urology. He says the study should not lessen a man’s sex drive and that sperm count should return to normal within nine months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580132088970.png" alt="Dr. Ajay Nangia photo University of Kansas Health System" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Ajay Nangia photo University of Kansas Health System</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas Medical Center is testing a male contraceptive gel that men apply to their shoulders. The school's research institution is conducting a clinical trial for the contraceptive and searching for participating couples. The gel is a mixture of Nestorone and testosterone. Nestorone blocks the male hormone production needed to generate sperm. Testosterone in the gel replaces testosterone usually produced in the male body. Dr. Ajay Nangia is the center's vice chair of urology. He says the study should not lessen a man’s sex drive and that sperm count should return to normal within nine months.

University of Kansas researchers test male contraceptive gel

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/Trumpimpeachmentinquiry/">impeachment</a>&nbsp;trial enters a pivotal week as his defense team resumes its case and senators face a critical vote on whether to hear witnesses or proceed directly to a vote that is widely expected to end in his acquittal. The articles of impeachment charge Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The Capitol Hill maneuvering will be complemented by high-stakes efforts on both sides of the aisle to claim political advantage from the proceedings as the presidential nominating season kicks off in Iowa on Feb. 3.

After a two-hour opening argument Saturday, Trump’s defense team will lay out its case in depth beginning Monday. White House counsel Pat Cipollone said Trump’s lawyers don’t expect to take the full 24 hours allotted to them, but there will be arguments from some familiar faces.

Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz, former independent counsel Ken Starr and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi will speak on specific topics.

Dershowitz said Sunday he would argue that the charges against Trump are too minor to warrant the president’s removal from office under the Constitution. “Even if true, they did not allege impeachable offenses,” Dershowitz told “Fox News Sunday.”

The Trump team has also teased the notion that it would draw attention to Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who served on the board of a Ukraine gas company Burisma, while the elder Biden was vice president. An extended focus on Joe Biden, one of the leading Democratic presidential contenders, could mean blowback from even some of the GOP members of the Senate.

Once Trump’s team concludes, senators will have 16 hours to ask questions of both the House impeachment prosecutors and the president’s legal team. Their questions must be in writing.

Chief Justice John Roberts will read the questions aloud. He is expected to alternate between both sides of the aisle. Many senators have been talking copious notes throughout the trial in preparation for the question-and-answer time.

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., told reporters Saturday that Republicans expected to get together on Monday to start formulating a list of questions. “We will meet as a conference and decide what questions we want to pose, what the order may be of those of those questions,” he said.

Under the Senate rules passed last week, senators will vote whether to consider new witnesses and evidence after the Q&amp;A time is elapsed. Four Republicans would have to break ranks to join Democrats in the GOP-controlled Senate to extend the trial for an undetermined amount of time.

If that happens, expect a bitter fight over which witnesses might be called and which documents might be subpoenaed. Democrats have called for testimony from Trump’s former national security adviser, John Bolton, and his acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney. An attempt to call either probably would lead to a showdown with the White House, which claims both men have “absolute immunity” from being called to testify before the Senate, even in an impeachment trial. Still, Bolton has said he would appear if issued a subpoena by the Senate.

While Republicans have hoped for a speedy trial, Trump has called for the testimony of the Bidens and the intelligence community whistleblower whose summer complaint about Trump’s July telephone call with Ukraine’s leader instigated the impeachment inquiry.

But some Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have expressed resistance to calling those witnesses.

If the vote fails, the Senate could move swiftly to its vote on whether to remove or acquit Trump, giving the president the result he’s been looking for as soon as the end of the week.

Trump’s lawyers argued Saturday that no one knows what Trump’s motives were on holding up military assistance to Ukraine. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b8f3620a62c633658199f1fe85fe4647">recording</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press hours later suggests the president well understood that assistance was a point of leverage over Ukraine.

The recording is of 2018 meeting at the Trump Hotel in Washington that Trump had with donors. including two now-indicted associates of his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani. The audio portion includes Trump inquiring about Ukraine, “How long would they last in a fight with Russia?” He later calls for the firing of the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch.

The recording contradicts the president’s statements that he didn’t know the Giuliani associations, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman. They are key figures in the investigation who were indicted last year on campaign finance charges.

If new evidence and witnesses are allowed, the recording could take center stage in the Senate proceedings.

The trial is resuming with one week to go until the Iowa caucuses, and is again keeping four Democratic contenders — Sens. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Michael Bennet and Amy Klobuchar — in Washington instead of campaigning at a critical point in the race.

While they are trapped in Washington, Trump will venture outside the capital as he seeks both to exert political retribution on Democrats who impeached him and reward a party-switching lawmaker who backed him in the House.

Trump will hold a rally Tuesday in New Jersey to repay the favor to Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who became a Republican last month after voting against the articles of impeachment as a Democrat. And Trump is set to appear in Iowa on Thursday, days before the caucuses.

Meanwhile, Trump is already looking ahead to his likely acquittal, whenever it may come, promising that Democrats will face consequences for trying to remove him from office. “Shifty Adam Schiff is a CORRUPT POLITICIAN, and probably a very sick man,” Trump tweeted Sunday. “He has not paid the price, yet, for what he has done to our Country!”

Schiff, D-Calif., is chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and the lead impeachment manager. Asked on NBC’s ``Meet the Press″ whether he viewed the tweet as a threat, Schiff replied, “I think it’s intended to be.″

Rep. Jerrold Nadler, one of the House managers for the Senate trial, will miss Monday’s proceedings because of his wife’s illness.

In a statement, the New York Democrat said he would be in New York that day to discuss with doctors his wife’s ongoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Nadler has been a key member of the Democratic team investigating and prosecuting the case against the president.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580129771255.png" alt="President Trump's personal attorney Jay Sekulow during Saturday's opening&nbsp; defense in the impeachment trial -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump's personal attorney Jay Sekulow during Saturday's opening&nbsp; defense in the impeachment trial -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/Trumpimpeachmentinquiry/">impeachment</a>&nbsp;trial enters a pivotal week as his defense team resumes its case and senators face a critical vote on whether to hear witnesses or proceed directly to a vote that is widely expected to end in his acquittal. The articles of impeachment charge Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.The Capitol Hill maneuvering will be complemented by high-stakes efforts on both sides of the aisle to claim political advantage from the proceedings as the presidential nominating season kicks off in Iowa on Feb. 3.STAR TURN IN DEFENSEAfter a two-hour opening argument Saturday, Trump’s defense team will lay out its case in depth beginning Monday. White House counsel Pat Cipollone said Trump’s lawyers don’t expect to take the full 24 hours allotted to them, but there will be arguments from some familiar faces.Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz, former independent counsel Ken Starr and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi will speak on specific topics.Dershowitz said Sunday he would argue that the charges against Trump are too minor to warrant the president’s removal from office under the Constitution. “Even if true, they did not allege impeachable offenses,” Dershowitz told “Fox News Sunday.”The Trump team has also teased the notion that it would draw attention to Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who served on the board of a Ukraine gas company Burisma, while the elder Biden was vice president. An extended focus on Joe Biden, one of the leading Democratic presidential contenders, could mean blowback from even some of the GOP members of the Senate.QUESTION TIMEOnce Trump’s team concludes, senators will have 16 hours to ask questions of both the House impeachment prosecutors and the president’s legal team. Their questions must be in writing.Chief Justice John Roberts will read the questions aloud. He is expected to alternate between both sides of the aisle. Many senators have been talking copious notes throughout the trial in preparation for the question-and-answer time.Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., told reporters Saturday that Republicans expected to get together on Monday to start formulating a list of questions. “We will meet as a conference and decide what questions we want to pose, what the order may be of those of those questions,” he said.___WILL THEY OR WON’T THEYUnder the Senate rules passed last week, senators will vote whether to consider new witnesses and evidence after the Q&amp;A time is elapsed. Four Republicans would have to break ranks to join Democrats in the GOP-controlled Senate to extend the trial for an undetermined amount of time.If that happens, expect a bitter fight over which witnesses might be called and which documents might be subpoenaed. Democrats have called for testimony from Trump’s former national security adviser, John Bolton, and his acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney. An attempt to call either probably would lead to a showdown with the White House, which claims both men have “absolute immunity” from being called to testify before the Senate, even in an impeachment trial. Still, Bolton has said he would appear if issued a subpoena by the Senate.While Republicans have hoped for a speedy trial, Trump has called for the testimony of the Bidens and the intelligence community whistleblower whose summer complaint about Trump’s July telephone call with Ukraine’s leader instigated the impeachment inquiry.But some Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have expressed resistance to calling those witnesses.If the vote fails, the Senate could move swiftly to its vote on whether to remove or acquit Trump, giving the president the result he’s been looking for as soon as the end of the week.___A NEW TAPETrump’s lawyers argued Saturday that no one knows what Trump’s motives were on holding up military assistance to Ukraine. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b8f3620a62c633658199f1fe85fe4647">recording</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press hours later suggests the president well understood that assistance was a point of leverage over Ukraine.The recording is of 2018 meeting at the Trump Hotel in Washington that Trump had with donors. including two now-indicted associates of his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani. The audio portion includes Trump inquiring about Ukraine, “How long would they last in a fight with Russia?” He later calls for the firing of the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch.The recording contradicts the president’s statements that he didn’t know the Giuliani associations, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman. They are key figures in the investigation who were indicted last year on campaign finance charges.If new evidence and witnesses are allowed, the recording could take center stage in the Senate proceedings.___THE POLITICSThe trial is resuming with one week to go until the Iowa caucuses, and is again keeping four Democratic contenders — Sens. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Michael Bennet and Amy Klobuchar — in Washington instead of campaigning at a critical point in the race.While they are trapped in Washington, Trump will venture outside the capital as he seeks both to exert political retribution on Democrats who impeached him and reward a party-switching lawmaker who backed him in the House.Trump will hold a rally Tuesday in New Jersey to repay the favor to Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who became a Republican last month after voting against the articles of impeachment as a Democrat. And Trump is set to appear in Iowa on Thursday, days before the caucuses.Meanwhile, Trump is already looking ahead to his likely acquittal, whenever it may come, promising that Democrats will face consequences for trying to remove him from office. “Shifty Adam Schiff is a CORRUPT POLITICIAN, and probably a very sick man,” Trump tweeted Sunday. “He has not paid the price, yet, for what he has done to our Country!”Schiff, D-Calif., is chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and the lead impeachment manager. Asked on NBC’s ``Meet the Press″ whether he viewed the tweet as a threat, Schiff replied, “I think it’s intended to be.″___NADLER ABSENTRep. Jerrold Nadler, one of the House managers for the Senate trial, will miss Monday’s proceedings because of his wife’s illness.In a statement, the New York Democrat said he would be in New York that day to discuss with doctors his wife’s ongoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Nadler has been a key member of the Democratic team investigating and prosecuting the case against the president.

Defense resumes in key impeachment week; Dems seek witnesses

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa are joining forces for a study that will look for ways the states can limit flooding along the Missouri River and give them information about how wetter weather patterns could require changes in the way the U.S. government manages the basins reservoirs.

The states are pooling their money to pay for half of a $400,000 study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to measure how much water flows down the Missouri River.

The states hope to present a united front to federal officials to gain more influence over how the river is managed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/68d1b969da944d7791b7f487630d09ee">after devastating floods</a>&nbsp;in 2011 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8cbaf4b9041e4081bad72619dcabd554">2019</a>.

“We’ve got to look at the data, but it’s certainly possible that we’re going to see more wet years,” Republican Nebraska Gov. Ricketts said at a recent media briefing. “We need to collect the data first, and then we can address with the Corps what they ought to be doing.”

Officials from the states plan to meet next month to decide how to proceed.

A lot of the data the Corps uses to manage the Missouri River is outdated and doesn’t account for the two historic floods over the last decade, said Jeff Fassett, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. The Corps did not respond to requests for an interview.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580063534513.png" alt="Flood on the Missouri River photo courtesy Missouri Gov. Mike Parson" />
 <figcaption>Flood on the Missouri River photo courtesy Missouri Gov. Mike Parson</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa are joining forces for a study that will look for ways the states can limit flooding along the Missouri River and give them information about how wetter weather patterns could require changes in the way the U.S. government manages the basins reservoirs.The states are pooling their money to pay for half of a $400,000 study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to measure how much water flows down the Missouri River.The states hope to present a united front to federal officials to gain more influence over how the river is managed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/68d1b969da944d7791b7f487630d09ee">after devastating floods</a>&nbsp;in 2011 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8cbaf4b9041e4081bad72619dcabd554">2019</a>.“We’ve got to look at the data, but it’s certainly possible that we’re going to see more wet years,” Republican Nebraska Gov. Ricketts said at a recent media briefing. “We need to collect the data first, and then we can address with the Corps what they ought to be doing.”Officials from the states plan to meet next month to decide how to proceed.A lot of the data the Corps uses to manage the Missouri River is outdated and doesn’t account for the two historic floods over the last decade, said Jeff Fassett, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. The Corps did not respond to requests for an interview.“We need to be factoring in new information as we look forward,” Fassett said. “Nobody knows whether this is the new normal. What if 2023 looks like 2019? If this happens again, we need to be better prepared.”The effort comes as higher global temperatures are causing glaciers to melt into the oceans and producing extreme weather conditions that are more intense and destructive than ever before. The states are bracing for more frequent and severe floods, even as some of their top officials, including Ricketts, question mainstream climate science.Fassett said the states also want to identify “pinch points” on the river that could cause a water buildup during a flood.He pointed to a crossing at Nebraska Highway 2, where the river spilled over its levees and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15812681c8c84ca9a7c0cacc8bbd5d0c">covered Interstate 29&nbsp;</a>last year. Crews responded by raising and lengthening the bridge to let more water flow underneath.States that work together tend to carry more sway with the federal government because don’t make conflicting requests, said Tim Hall, the hydrology resources coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.Hall said the partnership is similar to a group of upper Mississippi River states that joined forces in 1981 to mitigate flooding.“It’s a lot easier than one state trying to negotiate with the Corps,” Hall said. “It can be done, but it’s more challenging.”The partnership also encourages states to share data and not work against one another, Hall said.“In the big picture, we all want to accomplish the same thing,” Hall said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580063720353.png" alt="Missouri Governor Mike Parson meets with governors of the 4 state coalition- photo courtesy office of Iowa Governor" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Governor Mike Parson meets with governors of the 4 state coalition- photo courtesy office of Iowa Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>The Missouri is the longest river in North America, running from western Montana through the Dakotas and touching Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas before cutting across Missouri and entering the Mississippi River at St. Louis.The states it touches once had a coalition known as Missouri River Association of States and Tribes, but it eventually disbanded after Iowa and Nebraska withdrew amid a dispute with Montana over how to manage the river. Nebraska and Iowa wanted more more water released from upstream reservoirs earlier in the year to prevent summer flooding, but Montana was concerned about effects on wildlife and recreation during drought years.The new, four-state coalition would focus on flood mitigation.

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