POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 3:30p.m. March 31 in Pottawatomie County

According to the sheriff's office, a motorcycle driven by Abbott Mumaw, 17, of Louisville, Kansas, was west bound on Gerard Road, rural Belvue. The driver&nbsp; lost control and crashed. 

 Abbott was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to the sheriff.

The Pottawatomie County EMS, Belvue Fire Department, Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office responded to the accident.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 3:30p.m. March 31 in Pottawatomie CountyAccording to the sheriff's office, a motorcycle driven by Abbott Mumaw, 17, of Louisville, Kansas, was west bound on Gerard Road, rural Belvue. The driver&nbsp; lost control and crashed. Abbott was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to the sheriff.The Pottawatomie County EMS, Belvue Fire Department, Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office responded to the accident.

Sheriff IDs Kansas teen who died in motorcycle crash

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a 17-year-old girl that occurred at a home on North Kuney Street in Abilene.

The investigation began January 16, according to a media release from police. An autopsy determined the girl died from fentanyl intoxication.

On Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Daisy L. Skilling on an outstanding warrant from Dickinson County District Court charging her with&nbsp;distribution of a controlled substance causing death, use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, according to online jail records. She is being held on $150,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680547193087.png" alt="Skilling-photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Skilling-photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a 17-year-old girl that occurred at a home on North Kuney Street in Abilene.The investigation began January 16, according to a media release from police. An autopsy determined the girl died from fentanyl intoxication.On Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Daisy L. Skilling on an outstanding warrant from Dickinson County District Court charging her with&nbsp;distribution of a controlled substance causing death, use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, according to online jail records. She is being held on $150,000 bond.

Kansas woman accused in fentanyl death of 17-year-old

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - On Friday, March 31st, Sunflower Children's Collective held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the relocation of <a href="https://www.sunflowerchildrenscollective.org/casa">Sunflower CASA Project</a>, <a href="https://www.sunflowerchildrenscollective.org/cac-1">Stepping Stones Child Advocacy Center</a> and <a href="https://www.sunflowerchildrenscollective.org/cevc">Sunflower Bridge Child Exchange and Visitation Center</a>&nbsp;to all be under one roof at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/YCS5SEotb6yiEdzb9">323 Poyntz Avenue, Suite 101</a>.

On Saturday, April 1st, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090702827735">Input Salad</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/therapie.llc">TheraPie </a>hosted ribbon cuttings for their shared space at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/tyEndByRqpV5cW736">106 S. 4th Street</a>. This shared space gives TheraPie additional production space, along with their first storefront. Input Salad is brand new to Manhattan and offers a variety of specialty salads.&nbsp;

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680382531612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN - On Friday, March 31st, Sunflower Children's Collective held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the relocation of <a href="https://www.sunflowerchildrenscollective.org/casa">Sunflower CASA Project</a>, <a href="https://www.sunflowerchildrenscollective.org/cac-1">Stepping Stones Child Advocacy Center</a> and <a href="https://www.sunflowerchildrenscollective.org/cevc">Sunflower Bridge Child Exchange and Visitation Center</a>&nbsp;to all be under one roof at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/YCS5SEotb6yiEdzb9">323 Poyntz Avenue, Suite 101</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680537021448.jpeg" alt="Sunflower Children's Collective ribbon cutting" />
 <figcaption>Sunflower Children's Collective ribbon cutting</figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday, April 1st, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090702827735">Input Salad</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/therapie.llc">TheraPie </a>hosted ribbon cuttings for their shared space at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/tyEndByRqpV5cW736">106 S. 4th Street</a>. This shared space gives TheraPie additional production space, along with their first storefront. Input Salad is brand new to Manhattan and offers a variety of specialty salads.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680538733415.jpeg" alt="Input Salad Ribbon cutting" />
 <figcaption>Input Salad Ribbon cutting</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680538767922.jpeg" alt="TheraPie ribbon cutting" />
 <figcaption>TheraPie ribbon cutting</figcaption>
 </figure><div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/qXvA3tKD-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Ribbon Cuttings" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>

🎥&📷: Businesses celebrate new locations in Downtown Manhattan

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;

MICHELLE MARIE WILLIAMS, 41, Manhattan, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Bond $1,000

MICHAEL CURTIS SKILLERN LEWIS, 28, Manhattan, Burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex; Battery; physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Theft from Building; Attempted Burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex; Bond $4,000

MICHELLE DANIELLE WOLFE, 28, Manhattan,&nbsp;Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt; $1000; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Intimidation of witness/victim; unknown circumstance; misdemeanor; Bond $6,000

MATTHEW RYAN MUSE, 44, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $500

TERRELL BERNARD BROOKS, 32, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

JOYCELYN LESHEA GUNN VIEWINS, 20, Junction City, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;MICHELLE MARIE WILLIAMS, 41, Manhattan, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Bond $1,000MICHAEL CURTIS SKILLERN LEWIS, 28, Manhattan, Burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex; Battery; physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Theft from Building; Attempted Burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex; Bond $4,000MICHELLE DANIELLE WOLFE, 28, Manhattan,&nbsp;Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt; $1000; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Intimidation of witness/victim; unknown circumstance; misdemeanor; Bond $6,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668912626245.jpeg" alt="Matthew Ryan Muse, pictures from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Ryan Muse, pictures from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>MATTHEW RYAN MUSE, 44, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $500TERRELL BERNARD BROOKS, 32, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000JOYCELYN LESHEA GUNN VIEWINS, 20, Junction City, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

📷: Riley County Arrest Report April 3

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an alleged incident that injured an officer.

Just before 2a.m. Sunday, officers observed a fight in progress at Tate's Bar in the 1100 Block of Moro Street in Aggieville between 33-year-old Keith Saniatan of Fort Sill, Oklahoma and staff who were attempting to remove him, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

As officers attempted to place him in custody, Saniatan actively resisted and smashed one officer's hand against a metal door frame with his shoulder. Saniatan was arrest and issued a total bond of $5,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details on the officer's injury.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an alleged incident that injured an officer.Just before 2a.m. Sunday, officers observed a fight in progress at Tate's Bar in the 1100 Block of Moro Street in Aggieville between 33-year-old Keith Saniatan of Fort Sill, Oklahoma and staff who were attempting to remove him, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.As officers attempted to place him in custody, Saniatan actively resisted and smashed one officer's hand against a metal door frame with his shoulder. Saniatan was arrest and issued a total bond of $5,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details on the officer's injury.

Man accused of altercation with RCPD officer in Aggieville

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Manhattan man on multiple charges after an arrest following a pursuit.

Just after 11p.m. Friday, officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a car driven by 22-year-old Tyreek Toliver near the intersection of Walters Drive and Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the RCPD activity report.

Toliver continued to drive northbound on Tuttle Creek Blvd. and turned into a trailer park in the 3000 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. where he exited the car and began to run east through a residential area. 

He was later located and arrested within the trailer park on requested charges of fleeing by engaging in reckless driving, interference with LEO and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.

Toliver was issued a total bond of $8,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Manhattan man on multiple charges after an arrest following a pursuit.Just after 11p.m. Friday, officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a car driven by 22-year-old Tyreek Toliver near the intersection of Walters Drive and Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the RCPD activity report.Toliver continued to drive northbound on Tuttle Creek Blvd. and turned into a trailer park in the 3000 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. where he exited the car and began to run east through a residential area. He was later located and arrested within the trailer park on requested charges of fleeing by engaging in reckless driving, interference with LEO and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.Toliver was issued a total bond of $8,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

RCPD: 22-year-old arrested after chase in Manhattan

Massive ranch is for sale for $16.7 million

By CINDIY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/dumbbell-in-nebraska-sandhills-gains-spotlight-with-sheer-size-storied-past/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — It’s a $16.7 million ranch story sure to stir some nostalgic memories in the Sandhills of Nebraska.

But even if you’re not from the area, a property called Dumbbell has got to pique curiosity.

The Dumbbell Ranch, which spans a 
whopping 15,500 acres, mostly in Cherry County, is attracting attention 
as it now is up for sale&nbsp; — poised to separate from the family that has 
owned it for more than a century.&nbsp;

The rationale behind that break may 
sound familiar: The younger generation has more pressing interests than 
to oversee the Hyannis area operation.&nbsp;

“They don’t want to ranch, and I’m 
really grateful they were honest with me,” Anne Anderson Bennett said of
 her daughters Margaret and Leatha, who are in their 20s.

Bennett’s only sibling, Gordon 
Anderson, is a “computer guru” who loves his life in Colorado. Their 
parents have passed. At 57, Bennett, divorced for 17 years, is preparing
 to get married again.

“It just really was the right time,” she said of selling.

A less common occurrence, says 
Valentine area broker Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, is a place like the
 Dumbbell hitting the market.

Johnson, whose business is selling 
ranches, said the property stands out for various reasons, including a 
precious natural resource, water. It sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, 
which creates shallow lakes and sub-irrigated meadows that he said are 
known to be the headwaters for the Middle Loup River.

“This one has a deeper stamp,” 
Johnson said, noting the ranch’s storied past, its artesian wells, 27 
windmills, eight solar wells, rangeland and watering sites for 
livestock.

He called the Dumbbell — historically
 a 900-head cow/calf operation that’s in the nation’s “top cow county”— 
one of the founding ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills.

Anne’s great-grandfather Gustaf Anderson, an orphaned Swedish immigrant, acquired the area in 1913.

As the history goes, pieced together 
from family and various other sources, the Dumbbell headquarters was 
established in 1887 by Dr. A.J. Plumer, who had hoped the railroad would
 be built through the valley.

He and his wife, Anna, a nurse, constructed a “white mansion” structure to serve as a maternity hospital.&nbsp;

Lore has it that Plumer accidentally 
slammed a hammer on his thumb while building the hospital, exclaiming 
“Only a dumbbell would do that.”

Plumer expanded a cattle operation 
before moving and selling the ranch in 1906. In 1913, Gustaf Anderson 
became sole owner of a property that would grow to about 52,000 acres.

Anderson would make the trip from Red
 Oak, Iowa, to the Dumbbell Ranch at least a dozen times a year by train
 or vehicle —&nbsp; a trip that each generation of Andersons has made over 
the decades.

Three children of Gustaf and his 
wife, Janie, later split the ranch into sections and called them 
Pitchfork, 3 Circles and Dumbbell.&nbsp;

Son Gordon got the Dumbbell and eventually passed it to son Gerald, who then left it to Anne and her brother.

Anne said she has worked the past 
three decades with her dad on the business, traveling as often as she 
could to the ranch. “We love it so much, we’ve been able to make it 
work.”

She lauded the lineup of managers who
 over the generations lived at the site, maintained the operation and 
became engaged in the community.&nbsp;

“They are the ones that live there and have boots on the ground,” she said.

Her dad died in 2016; her mom passed in 2021.

The ranch has received local suitors, as well as interest and visitors from other states, since Johnson<a target="_blank" href="https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/dumbbell-ranch/a095d00002U10JQ/"> started marketing</a> it about a week ago, he said.

Anne said her family is proud to have
 diversified the operation, which includes the Flying A Cattle Company, 
without forsaking the native rangeland. The family feels blessed, she 
said, to “be a small part of the unique Sandhills ecosystem and 
community.”

“It’s dear to our hearts,” said Anne. “We love the Sandhills. Our family loves ranching. It’s time to move on.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554659570.png" alt="The Dumbbell Ranch spans about 15,500 acres, mostly in Nebraska’s Cherry County, known as the nation’s “top cow county.” It is for sale, which means it will have owners outside the Anderson family for first time in over a century. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>The Dumbbell Ranch spans about 15,500 acres, mostly in Nebraska’s Cherry County, known as the nation’s “top cow county.” It is for sale, which means it will have owners outside the Anderson family for first time in over a century. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Massive ranch is for sale for $16.7 million</h2>By CINDIY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/dumbbell-in-nebraska-sandhills-gains-spotlight-with-sheer-size-storied-past/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — It’s a $16.7 million ranch story sure to stir some nostalgic memories in the Sandhills of Nebraska.But even if you’re not from the area, a property called Dumbbell has got to pique curiosity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554762652.jpeg" alt="Native range and meadows used by livestock and wildlife habitat cover the ranch. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>Native range and meadows used by livestock and wildlife habitat cover the ranch. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Dumbbell Ranch, which spans a 
whopping 15,500 acres, mostly in Cherry County, is attracting attention 
as it now is up for sale&nbsp; — poised to separate from the family that has 
owned it for more than a century.&nbsp;The rationale behind that break may 
sound familiar: The younger generation has more pressing interests than 
to oversee the Hyannis area operation.&nbsp;“They don’t want to ranch, and I’m 
really grateful they were honest with me,” Anne Anderson Bennett said of
 her daughters Margaret and Leatha, who are in their 20s.Bennett’s only sibling, Gordon 
Anderson, is a “computer guru” who loves his life in Colorado. Their 
parents have passed. At 57, Bennett, divorced for 17 years, is preparing
 to get married again.“It just really was the right time,” she said of selling.A less common occurrence, says 
Valentine area broker Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, is a place like the
 Dumbbell hitting the market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554815794.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson, whose business is selling 
ranches, said the property stands out for various reasons, including a 
precious natural resource, water. It sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, 
which creates shallow lakes and sub-irrigated meadows that he said are 
known to be the headwaters for the Middle Loup River.“This one has a deeper stamp,” 
Johnson said, noting the ranch’s storied past, its artesian wells, 27 
windmills, eight solar wells, rangeland and watering sites for 
livestock.He called the Dumbbell — historically
 a 900-head cow/calf operation that’s in the nation’s “top cow county”— 
one of the founding ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills.Anne’s great-grandfather Gustaf Anderson, an orphaned Swedish immigrant, acquired the area in 1913.As the history goes, pieced together 
from family and various other sources, the Dumbbell headquarters was 
established in 1887 by Dr. A.J. Plumer, who had hoped the railroad would
 be built through the valley.He and his wife, Anna, a nurse, constructed a “white mansion” structure to serve as a maternity hospital.&nbsp;Lore has it that Plumer accidentally 
slammed a hammer on his thumb while building the hospital, exclaiming 
“Only a dumbbell would do that.”Hence, the Dumbbell name.Plumer expanded a cattle operation 
before moving and selling the ranch in 1906. In 1913, Gustaf Anderson 
became sole owner of a property that would grow to about 52,000 acres.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554852926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Anderson would make the trip from Red
 Oak, Iowa, to the Dumbbell Ranch at least a dozen times a year by train
 or vehicle —&nbsp; a trip that each generation of Andersons has made over 
the decades.Three children of Gustaf and his 
wife, Janie, later split the ranch into sections and called them 
Pitchfork, 3 Circles and Dumbbell.&nbsp;Son Gordon got the Dumbbell and eventually passed it to son Gerald, who then left it to Anne and her brother.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554880289.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Hall and Hall, Anderson family)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Hall and Hall, Anderson family)</figcaption>
 </figure>Anne said she has worked the past 
three decades with her dad on the business, traveling as often as she 
could to the ranch. “We love it so much, we’ve been able to make it 
work.”She lauded the lineup of managers who
 over the generations lived at the site, maintained the operation and 
became engaged in the community.&nbsp;“They are the ones that live there and have boots on the ground,” she said.Her dad died in 2016; her mom passed in 2021.The ranch has received local suitors, as well as interest and visitors from other states, since Johnson<a target="_blank" href="https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/dumbbell-ranch/a095d00002U10JQ/"> started marketing</a> it about a week ago, he said.Anne said her family is proud to have
 diversified the operation, which includes the Flying A Cattle Company, 
without forsaking the native rangeland. The family feels blessed, she 
said, to “be a small part of the unique Sandhills ecosystem and 
community.”“It’s dear to our hearts,” said Anne. “We love the Sandhills. Our family loves ranching. It’s time to move on.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554917938.png" alt="The Dumbbell Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>The Dumbbell Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>

‘Dumbbell’ in Nebraska Sandhills gains spotlight with sheer size, storied past

A fire weather watch remind in effect for the Flint Hills into Tuesday night, the National Weather Service in Topeka warned.

Winds are expected to remain from the north through Monday nigh, sustained at 10 to 15 mph and gusting to 25 mph. The winds will shift from the south by Tuesday afternoon, increasing to 20 to 25 mph and gusting up to 40 mph.&nbsp;

A burn ban in is effect for Riley and Geary counties.

A projected Tuesday high in the mid-80s, couple with low humidity and continued dry conditions, will drastically increase the chance of wildfires.

There is a 20 percent chance of rain in the early morning hours Wednesday, followed by a significant cooldown. The high Wednesday is only expected to reach the low-50s, with an overnight low in the mid- to upper-20s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680528493698.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A fire weather watch remind in effect for the Flint Hills into Tuesday night, the National Weather Service in Topeka warned.Winds are expected to remain from the north through Monday nigh, sustained at 10 to 15 mph and gusting to 25 mph. The winds will shift from the south by Tuesday afternoon, increasing to 20 to 25 mph and gusting up to 40 mph.&nbsp;A burn ban in is effect for Riley and Geary counties.A projected Tuesday high in the mid-80s, couple with low humidity and continued dry conditions, will drastically increase the chance of wildfires.There is a 20 percent chance of rain in the early morning hours Wednesday, followed by a significant cooldown. The high Wednesday is only expected to reach the low-50s, with an overnight low in the mid- to upper-20s.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fire Weather Watch remains in effect on Tuesday through 11 PM CDT. Expect southerly winds gusting to 50 mph as they shift to the west during the evening. This combined with low RH results in critical fire weather conditions where fires can spread rapidly. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/4bvJnc0zlZ">pic.twitter.com/4bvJnc0zlZ</a>&mdash; NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSTopeka/status/1642855508712525825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Fire weather watch in warm, windy Flint Hills

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Sunday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Polaris RZR driven by Lester R. Johnson, 26, Alma, was eastbound in the 31100 Block McFarland Road one mile southwest of McFarland.

The driver failed to negotiate a left curve. The UTV entered the south ditch, over-turned and the passenger identified as Ashley M. Seidl, 23. Alma, was ejected.

&nbsp;Seidl was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Shawnee County Coroner's Office.&nbsp; EMS transported Johnson to Stormont Vail. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Sunday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Polaris RZR driven by Lester R. Johnson, 26, Alma, was eastbound in the 31100 Block McFarland Road one mile southwest of McFarland.The driver failed to negotiate a left curve. The UTV entered the south ditch, over-turned and the passenger identified as Ashley M. Seidl, 23. Alma, was ejected.&nbsp;Seidl was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Shawnee County Coroner's Office.&nbsp; EMS transported Johnson to Stormont Vail. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after ejected in UTV accident

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;has been selected as the winner of the 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year, as announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club at its annual Final Four Awards Brunch at the Ballroom at Bayou Place in Houston, Texas on Sunday (April 2).

Tang was chosen for the award over a finalist list that included Purdue’s&nbsp;Matt Painter, Houston’s&nbsp;Kelvin Sampson&nbsp;and Marquette’s&nbsp;Shaka Smart.

Tang becomes the first K-State head coach to earn the Naismith coaching honor and just the third to be selected as National Coach of the Year, joining&nbsp;Fred “Tex” Winter&nbsp;who was chosen for the honor by United Press International (UPI) in 1958 and&nbsp;Jack Hartman&nbsp;who was named the NABC Coach of the Year in 1980.

Overall, Tang is just the fourth head coach at a Big 12 institution to earn the Naismith coaching accolade since it was first awarded in 1987, joining a trio of Kansas head coaches in&nbsp;Larry Brown&nbsp;(1988),&nbsp;Roy Williams&nbsp;(1997) and&nbsp;Bill Self&nbsp;(2012). He is one of three current Big 12 coaches to have won the award, joining Self and TCU’s&nbsp;Jaime Dixon, who was selected for the honor while at Pittsburgh in 2009.

“I’m honored and blessed to receive the Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Award,” said Tang. “There have been a lot of great coaching jobs this season and to be recognized among them is truly a humbling experience for me. I want to congratulate the other finalists – Coach (Matt) Painter, Coach (Kelvin) Sampson, Coach (Shaka) Smart for their tremendous years.

“I want to first thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for all the blessings in my life. I would not be where I'm at right now if it wasn't for his faithfulness in my life and guidance.

“There are so many people to mention who have put me in this position. I want to thank our players and staff. I can’t begin to express my appreciation to them for all their hard work and sacrifice this season. We started with Markquis (Nowell) and Ish (Massoud) and it grew to 15 players who became brothers on and off the court, enabling us to go from a team picked last in the Big 12 to one who won 26 games and advanced to the Elite Eight. I will always be indebted to them.

“I have the best coaching staff in America, from associate head coach&nbsp;Ulric Maligi&nbsp;to assistant coaches&nbsp;Jareem Dowling&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rodney Perry&nbsp;to my chief of staff&nbsp;Marco Borne&nbsp;to director of operations&nbsp;Bailey Bachamp&nbsp;to director of player development&nbsp;Austin Carpenter&nbsp;to director of video operations&nbsp;Anthony Winchester, director of strategies&nbsp;Kevin Sutton, volunteer analyst&nbsp;Al Grushkin, strength coach&nbsp;Phil Baier, athletic trainer&nbsp;Luke Sauber&nbsp;to all of our graduate assistant and student managers. I’m blessed and honored that I get to live life with these incredible men and women every day.

“I also want to thank our university president&nbsp;Dr. Richard Linton, athletic director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;and executive associate AD&nbsp;Casey Scott&nbsp;for giving me the opportunity to be at K-State. I’m fortunate every day to be at such a special place. I’m excited about the future with their support.

“I’m not here today without the love, support and sacrifice of my family. I want to thank my parents,&nbsp;Paul&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bano Tang, my brother&nbsp;Mark, sister&nbsp;Kim, my wife,&nbsp;Careylyen, our children&nbsp;Seven&nbsp;and&nbsp;Aylyn&nbsp;as well as my in-loves,&nbsp;Calvin&nbsp;and&nbsp;Carolyn Carter.

“I have been fortunate to be around quality people throughout my life.&nbsp;Dr. Jennifer Cooper&nbsp;gave me my first coaching job back at Heritage Christian Academy.&nbsp;Scott (Drew)&nbsp;gave me the opportunity to coach in college at Baylor, where I was influenced by coaches like&nbsp;Matthew Driscoll,&nbsp;Paul Mills,&nbsp;Grant McCasland,&nbsp;Alvin Brooks III,&nbsp;John Jakus&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bill Petersen&nbsp;and countless players.

“I share this tremendous honor with all these individuals. I’m truly blessed.”

Tang has been named a finalist for several National Coach of the Year honors, including the Joe B. Hall Award (top first-year Division I head coach), the Ben Jobe Award (top Division I minority coach) and the Jim Phelan Award (Division I Coach of the Year). He has also been District Coach of the Year by the NABC and USBWA.

Tang was the runner-up for The Associated Press’ National Coach of the Year, finishing with 13 votes behind Smart, who garnered 24 from a national media panel of 58 voters.

Picked 10th in the preseason Big 12 poll and armed with just two returning players, Tang guided the Wildcats to a 26-10 overall record and a spot in the Elite Eight, which was the 13th&nbsp;in school history and the first since 2017-18. The 26 wins are the third-most in school history, trailing the school-record 29 in 2009-10 and the 27 in 2012-13, and just the eighth 25-win campaign and first since 2017-18. His win total was the second-most by a first-year Division I head coach, trailing Duke’s&nbsp;Jon Scheyer&nbsp;(27-9).

Tang and Texas’&nbsp;Rodney Terry&nbsp;were the only first-year Division I head coaches to advance to his team to the Elite Eight in 2022-23. Overall, Tang is the 11th&nbsp;first-year head coach to direct his team to Elite Eight since 1996-97, while he is just the fourth first-time head coach, joining North Carolina’s&nbsp;Bill Guthridge&nbsp;in 1997-98 and&nbsp;Hubert Davis&nbsp;in 2021-22 and Kent State’s&nbsp;Stan Heath&nbsp;in 2001-02.

Tang was the consensus Big 12 Coach of the Year, earning the honor from both the league coaches and AP after helping K-State rise from being picked last in the preseason Big 12 poll to finishing in a tie for third place with an 11-7 record. He is the&nbsp;seventh head coach in school history to earn conference Coach of the Year honors, including the second (Bruce Weber&nbsp;in 2013) to win the honor in his first season.

Tang was selected as the 25th&nbsp;head men’s basketball coach at K-State on March 21, 2022, after serving as the one of the chief architects in helping build Baylor into a national powerhouse in his 19 seasons as an assistant and associate head coach from 2003 to 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679443663983.jpeg" alt="AP Photo/John Bazemore" />
 <figcaption>AP Photo/John Bazemore</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;has been selected as the winner of the 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year, as announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club at its annual Final Four Awards Brunch at the Ballroom at Bayou Place in Houston, Texas on Sunday (April 2).Tang was chosen for the award over a finalist list that included Purdue’s&nbsp;Matt Painter, Houston’s&nbsp;Kelvin Sampson&nbsp;and Marquette’s&nbsp;Shaka Smart.Tang becomes the first K-State head coach to earn the Naismith coaching honor and just the third to be selected as National Coach of the Year, joining&nbsp;Fred “Tex” Winter&nbsp;who was chosen for the honor by United Press International (UPI) in 1958 and&nbsp;Jack Hartman&nbsp;who was named the NABC Coach of the Year in 1980.Overall, Tang is just the fourth head coach at a Big 12 institution to earn the Naismith coaching accolade since it was first awarded in 1987, joining a trio of Kansas head coaches in&nbsp;Larry Brown&nbsp;(1988),&nbsp;Roy Williams&nbsp;(1997) and&nbsp;Bill Self&nbsp;(2012). He is one of three current Big 12 coaches to have won the award, joining Self and TCU’s&nbsp;Jaime Dixon, who was selected for the honor while at Pittsburgh in 2009.“I’m honored and blessed to receive the Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Award,” said Tang. “There have been a lot of great coaching jobs this season and to be recognized among them is truly a humbling experience for me. I want to congratulate the other finalists – Coach (Matt) Painter, Coach (Kelvin) Sampson, Coach (Shaka) Smart for their tremendous years.“I want to first thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for all the blessings in my life. I would not be where I'm at right now if it wasn't for his faithfulness in my life and guidance.“There are so many people to mention who have put me in this position. I want to thank our players and staff. I can’t begin to express my appreciation to them for all their hard work and sacrifice this season. We started with Markquis (Nowell) and Ish (Massoud) and it grew to 15 players who became brothers on and off the court, enabling us to go from a team picked last in the Big 12 to one who won 26 games and advanced to the Elite Eight. I will always be indebted to them.“I have the best coaching staff in America, from associate head coach&nbsp;Ulric Maligi&nbsp;to assistant coaches&nbsp;Jareem Dowling&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rodney Perry&nbsp;to my chief of staff&nbsp;Marco Borne&nbsp;to director of operations&nbsp;Bailey Bachamp&nbsp;to director of player development&nbsp;Austin Carpenter&nbsp;to director of video operations&nbsp;Anthony Winchester, director of strategies&nbsp;Kevin Sutton, volunteer analyst&nbsp;Al Grushkin, strength coach&nbsp;Phil Baier, athletic trainer&nbsp;Luke Sauber&nbsp;to all of our graduate assistant and student managers. I’m blessed and honored that I get to live life with these incredible men and women every day.“I also want to thank our university president&nbsp;Dr. Richard Linton, athletic director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;and executive associate AD&nbsp;Casey Scott&nbsp;for giving me the opportunity to be at K-State. I’m fortunate every day to be at such a special place. I’m excited about the future with their support.“I’m not here today without the love, support and sacrifice of my family. I want to thank my parents,&nbsp;Paul&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bano Tang, my brother&nbsp;Mark, sister&nbsp;Kim, my wife,&nbsp;Careylyen, our children&nbsp;Seven&nbsp;and&nbsp;Aylyn&nbsp;as well as my in-loves,&nbsp;Calvin&nbsp;and&nbsp;Carolyn Carter.“I have been fortunate to be around quality people throughout my life.&nbsp;Dr. Jennifer Cooper&nbsp;gave me my first coaching job back at Heritage Christian Academy.&nbsp;Scott (Drew)&nbsp;gave me the opportunity to coach in college at Baylor, where I was influenced by coaches like&nbsp;Matthew Driscoll,&nbsp;Paul Mills,&nbsp;Grant McCasland,&nbsp;Alvin Brooks III,&nbsp;John Jakus&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bill Petersen&nbsp;and countless players.“I share this tremendous honor with all these individuals. I’m truly blessed.”Tang has been named a finalist for several National Coach of the Year honors, including the Joe B. Hall Award (top first-year Division I head coach), the Ben Jobe Award (top Division I minority coach) and the Jim Phelan Award (Division I Coach of the Year). He has also been District Coach of the Year by the NABC and USBWA.Tang was the runner-up for The Associated Press’ National Coach of the Year, finishing with 13 votes behind Smart, who garnered 24 from a national media panel of 58 voters.Picked 10th in the preseason Big 12 poll and armed with just two returning players, Tang guided the Wildcats to a 26-10 overall record and a spot in the Elite Eight, which was the 13th&nbsp;in school history and the first since 2017-18. The 26 wins are the third-most in school history, trailing the school-record 29 in 2009-10 and the 27 in 2012-13, and just the eighth 25-win campaign and first since 2017-18. His win total was the second-most by a first-year Division I head coach, trailing Duke’s&nbsp;Jon Scheyer&nbsp;(27-9).Tang and Texas’&nbsp;Rodney Terry&nbsp;were the only first-year Division I head coaches to advance to his team to the Elite Eight in 2022-23. Overall, Tang is the 11th&nbsp;first-year head coach to direct his team to Elite Eight since 1996-97, while he is just the fourth first-time head coach, joining North Carolina’s&nbsp;Bill Guthridge&nbsp;in 1997-98 and&nbsp;Hubert Davis&nbsp;in 2021-22 and Kent State’s&nbsp;Stan Heath&nbsp;in 2001-02.Tang was the consensus Big 12 Coach of the Year, earning the honor from both the league coaches and AP after helping K-State rise from being picked last in the preseason Big 12 poll to finishing in a tie for third place with an 11-7 record. He is the&nbsp;seventh head coach in school history to earn conference Coach of the Year honors, including the second (Bruce Weber&nbsp;in 2013) to win the honor in his first season.Tang was selected as the 25th&nbsp;head men’s basketball coach at K-State on March 21, 2022, after serving as the one of the chief architects in helping build Baylor into a national powerhouse in his 19 seasons as an assistant and associate head coach from 2003 to 2022.

KSU's Tang tabbed as Naismith National Coach of the Year

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;

SARAH MCCUNE, 26, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

NYLA MARIE KLUSMANN, 25, Junction City, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $750

KEITH S SANIATAN, 33, FORT SILL, OK, Battery on LEO; Bodily harm to county or city officer on duty; Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Bond $5,000

WILLIAM LEONARD HENSON JR, 51, Manhattan, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $500

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;SARAH MCCUNE, 26, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750NYLA MARIE KLUSMANN, 25, Junction City, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $750KEITH S SANIATAN, 33, FORT SILL, OK, Battery on LEO; Bodily harm to county or city officer on duty; Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Bond $5,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680450782989.jpeg" alt="William L Henson Jr, picture from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>William L Henson Jr, picture from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WILLIAM LEONARD HENSON JR, 51, Manhattan, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $500

📷: Riley County Arrest Report April 2

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is recognizing 
five outstanding Kansas high school science teachers with the inaugural 
Kansas State University High School Science Teacher of the Year Awards.&nbsp; The awards highlight and reward inspirational and impactful high school science teachers throughout the state. The <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/chem/">chemistry</a>, <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/geology/">geology</a> and <a href="https://www.phys.ksu.edu/">physics</a> departments in K-State's <a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a> selected the five award recipients.

According to Pamela Kempton, professor and head of geology, students 
majoring in chemistry, geology or physics were asked to name the science
 teachers who inspired them to study science or made a difference in 
their growth and development. The nominees were then invited to apply, 
and a committee selected the finalists.]

The following high school teachers are recipients of the Kansas State University High School Science Teacher of the Year Awards:

• Science Teacher of the Year in chemistry: Nikki Chamberlain, gifted
 facilitator and former longtime chemistry teacher at Salina South High 
School, Salina.&nbsp; • Science Teachers of the Year in geology: Staci Cavanaugh, earth and space science teacher at Olathe North High School, Olathe, and Mariah Ramos, integrated science teacher at Spring Hill High School, Spring Hill.&nbsp; • Science Teachers of the Year in physics: Drew Smith, physics teacher at Olathe Northwest High School, Olathe, and Mitchell Spade, physics teacher at Shawnee Heights High School, Tecumseh.

"High school teachers scarcely get the recognition they deserve, and 
the work they do is critically important to the state and to the 
educational and scholarly mission of Kansas State University," said 
Christer Aakeröy, university distinguished professor and head of 
chemistry.

The award recipients, their nominators and a few of their current 
students are invited to a recognition luncheon March 31 on the Manhattan
 campus. Each teacher will be presented a $500 cash award, a certificate
 and an artistic piece of glassware custom-made by the university's 
scientific glassblower, Jim Hodgson. The visitors will also get a 
personalized tour of the campus, including some laboratories.

"The past few years have been particularly challenging for our high 
school educators," said Tim Bolton, William and Joan Porter professor 
and head of physics. "So, we wanted to acknowledge their hard work and 
recognize those extraordinary high school teachers who inspire students 
to go into sciences."

The <a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>
 at K-State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees spanning the 
natural and quantitative sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and 
arts and humanities, along with research opportunities, hands-on 
experiences and robust advising to prepare students for successful 
careers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680104557131.jpeg" alt="Staci Cavanaugh" />
 <figcaption>Staci Cavanaugh</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State NewsMANHATTAN — Kansas State University is recognizing 
five outstanding Kansas high school science teachers with the inaugural 
Kansas State University High School Science Teacher of the Year Awards.&nbsp; The awards highlight and reward inspirational and impactful high school science teachers throughout the state. The <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/chem/">chemistry</a>, <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/geology/">geology</a> and <a href="https://www.phys.ksu.edu/">physics</a> departments in K-State's <a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a> selected the five award recipients.According to Pamela Kempton, professor and head of geology, students 
majoring in chemistry, geology or physics were asked to name the science
 teachers who inspired them to study science or made a difference in 
their growth and development. The nominees were then invited to apply, 
and a committee selected the finalists.]<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680104581614.jpeg" alt="Nikki Chamberlain" />
 <figcaption>Nikki Chamberlain</figcaption>
 </figure>The following high school teachers are recipients of the Kansas State University High School Science Teacher of the Year Awards:• Science Teacher of the Year in chemistry: Nikki Chamberlain, gifted
 facilitator and former longtime chemistry teacher at Salina South High 
School, Salina.&nbsp; • Science Teachers of the Year in geology: Staci Cavanaugh, earth and space science teacher at Olathe North High School, Olathe, and Mariah Ramos, integrated science teacher at Spring Hill High School, Spring Hill.&nbsp; • Science Teachers of the Year in physics: Drew Smith, physics teacher at Olathe Northwest High School, Olathe, and Mitchell Spade, physics teacher at Shawnee Heights High School, Tecumseh.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680104604615.jpeg" alt="Mariah Ramos" />
 <figcaption>Mariah Ramos</figcaption>
 </figure>"High school teachers scarcely get the recognition they deserve, and 
the work they do is critically important to the state and to the 
educational and scholarly mission of Kansas State University," said 
Christer Aakeröy, university distinguished professor and head of 
chemistry.The award recipients, their nominators and a few of their current 
students are invited to a recognition luncheon March 31 on the Manhattan
 campus. Each teacher will be presented a $500 cash award, a certificate
 and an artistic piece of glassware custom-made by the university's 
scientific glassblower, Jim Hodgson. The visitors will also get a 
personalized tour of the campus, including some laboratories.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680104626266.jpeg" alt="Drew Smith" />
 <figcaption>Drew Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>"The past few years have been particularly challenging for our high 
school educators," said Tim Bolton, William and Joan Porter professor 
and head of physics. "So, we wanted to acknowledge their hard work and 
recognize those extraordinary high school teachers who inspire students 
to go into sciences."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680104651302.jpeg" alt="Mitchell Spade" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell Spade</figcaption>
 </figure>The <a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>
 at K-State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees spanning the 
natural and quantitative sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and 
arts and humanities, along with research opportunities, hands-on 
experiences and robust advising to prepare students for successful 
careers.

K-State recognizes High School Science Teachers of the Year

If passed into law, can Education Saving Accounts and tax credit vouchers withstand a constitutional challenge?&nbsp;&nbsp; That’s a question rolling around the state house.&nbsp;

The concern, at this point, is speculation since these two school choice bills have yet to go to Governor Kelly for her signature or veto.

The ESA bill currently creates&nbsp;a fund for families to use taxpayer dollars for private and homeschooling expenses. In its first year, the program would be available to public school students testing at the lowest grade level or receiving free or reduced-price lunch.&nbsp; Eventually families of four making $180,000 per year or more would be eligible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The tax credit bill enlarges the current tax credit scholarship fund.&nbsp; Fully implemented, it would give about $5,000 per qualifying student per year to attend any accredited or unaccredited private school or use for other educational expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Donors to the scholarship fund could apply for a 70 percent tax credit.&nbsp; Currently the fund is limited to low income, low performing students but the 2023 bill would expand incrementally to include almost all student applicants regardless of parent’s income, including students who always have attended a private school or been homeschooled.&nbsp;

Currently 11 states allow various types of ESAs, and 20 states allow tax credit scholarships.&nbsp;

Do ESAs that directly fund private schools with public tax dollars and scholarships that indirectly reduce education funds through tax credits violate the Kansas Constitution?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tax Credit scholarships may more easily withstand legal challenges because they are funded by donations.&nbsp; The loss to the state comes from fewer tax dollars collected due to the refundable tax credits.&nbsp; ESAs are directly funded from tax dollars budgeted for education.&nbsp; Both bills siphon public funds from public schools.

Here are reasons for concern: &nbsp;First, the Kansas Constitution creates a single system of common schools.<a></a>

Article 6: (1) “The legislature shall provide for a state board of education which shall have general supervision of public schools, educational institutions and all the educational interests of the state.”

The proposed bills create two separate systems—one governed by the state board of education and a new system governed by the Kansas treasurer to administer the scholarships and ESAs.&nbsp;

Second, Article 6:&nbsp; 2&nbsp;(a) states, “The state board of education shall perform such other duties as may be provided by law.”

Currently there are no laws that direct the state board of education to oversee schools other than public schools.&nbsp; Moreover, proponents of the bills advocate a main value is that funds would go to schools governed by the state treasurer not the state board of education.

Third, the Kansas constitution is clear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Article 6: 6 (c) “No religious sect or sects shall control any part of the public educational funds.”

Recently the U. S. Supreme Court ruled&nbsp;in &nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/carson-v-makin/" target="_blank">Carson v. Makin</a>&nbsp; to require states to fund private religious schools if the states fund any other private schools.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his majority opinion that the ruling does not require states to fund private schools—but once they do,&nbsp;religious schools can’t be excluded.&nbsp;

In January an Ohio lawsuit challenging the state’s voucher program moved forward to Franklin County Court.&nbsp; More than 100 school districts signed onto the lawsuit advocating a&nbsp;"secure"&nbsp;and single "system of common schools.”&nbsp;

Who among us would want another long, costly constitutional confrontation over Kansas schools?&nbsp; &nbsp;Nevertheless, this battle may be ongoing well into the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>If passed into law, can Education Saving Accounts and tax credit vouchers withstand a constitutional challenge?&nbsp;&nbsp; That’s a question rolling around the state house.&nbsp;The concern, at this point, is speculation since these two school choice bills have yet to go to Governor Kelly for her signature or veto.The ESA bill currently creates&nbsp;a fund for families to use taxpayer dollars for private and homeschooling expenses. In its first year, the program would be available to public school students testing at the lowest grade level or receiving free or reduced-price lunch.&nbsp; Eventually families of four making $180,000 per year or more would be eligible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The tax credit bill enlarges the current tax credit scholarship fund.&nbsp; Fully implemented, it would give about $5,000 per qualifying student per year to attend any accredited or unaccredited private school or use for other educational expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Donors to the scholarship fund could apply for a 70 percent tax credit.&nbsp; Currently the fund is limited to low income, low performing students but the 2023 bill would expand incrementally to include almost all student applicants regardless of parent’s income, including students who always have attended a private school or been homeschooled.&nbsp;Currently 11 states allow various types of ESAs, and 20 states allow tax credit scholarships.&nbsp;Do ESAs that directly fund private schools with public tax dollars and scholarships that indirectly reduce education funds through tax credits violate the Kansas Constitution?&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax Credit scholarships may more easily withstand legal challenges because they are funded by donations.&nbsp; The loss to the state comes from fewer tax dollars collected due to the refundable tax credits.&nbsp; ESAs are directly funded from tax dollars budgeted for education.&nbsp; Both bills siphon public funds from public schools.Here are reasons for concern: &nbsp;First, the Kansas Constitution creates a single system of common schools.<a></a>Article 6: (1) “The legislature shall provide for a state board of education which shall have general supervision of public schools, educational institutions and all the educational interests of the state.”The proposed bills create two separate systems—one governed by the state board of education and a new system governed by the Kansas treasurer to administer the scholarships and ESAs.&nbsp;Second, Article 6:&nbsp; 2&nbsp;(a) states, “The state board of education shall perform such other duties as may be provided by law.”Currently there are no laws that direct the state board of education to oversee schools other than public schools.&nbsp; Moreover, proponents of the bills advocate a main value is that funds would go to schools governed by the state treasurer not the state board of education.Third, the Kansas constitution is clear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Article 6: 6 (c) “No religious sect or sects shall control any part of the public educational funds.”Recently the U. S. Supreme Court ruled&nbsp;in &nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/carson-v-makin/" target="_blank">Carson v. Makin</a>&nbsp; to require states to fund private religious schools if the states fund any other private schools.Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his majority opinion that the ruling does not require states to fund private schools—but once they do,&nbsp;religious schools can’t be excluded.&nbsp;In January an Ohio lawsuit challenging the state’s voucher program moved forward to Franklin County Court.&nbsp; More than 100 school districts signed onto the lawsuit advocating a&nbsp;"secure"&nbsp;and single "system of common schools.”&nbsp;Who among us would want another long, costly constitutional confrontation over Kansas schools?&nbsp; &nbsp;Nevertheless, this battle may be ongoing well into the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Is another constitutional school lawsuit in the offing?

MANHATTAN - The 2023 Aggieville Showdown Grand Drive on Moro Street will be live-streamed starting at 6:30p.m.

<a href="https://youtube.com/live/o2MgOmGAKZM?feature=share">WATCH LIVE HERE</a>

Due to equipment issues the livestream ended early.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678313215749.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN - The 2023 Aggieville Showdown Grand Drive on Moro Street will be live-streamed starting at 6:30p.m.<a href="https://youtube.com/live/o2MgOmGAKZM?feature=share">WATCH LIVE HERE</a>Due to equipment issues the livestream ended early.

WATCH LIVE: 2023 Aggieville Showdown Grand Drive starting at 6:30pm

ALEXIS MARIE PATTERSON, 21, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

TOJ EDWARD LEE WALLACE, 40, Junction City, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st com; incapable of safely driving; Bond $750

TYREEK RAMON TOLIVER, 22, Manhattan, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Interference with LEO: conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $8,000

BRIAN MALACHI BECKFORD, 27, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $2,000

ANDREW ALCANTAR, 27, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

SCOTT DOUGLAS HABLUETZEL, 43, Manhattan, Probation Violation, Remains confined to Riley County Jail

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;ALEXIS MARIE PATTERSON, 21, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750TOJ EDWARD LEE WALLACE, 40, Junction City, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st com; incapable of safely driving; Bond $750TYREEK RAMON TOLIVER, 22, Manhattan, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Interference with LEO: conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $8,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680371426840.jpeg" alt="Brian Malachi Beckford" />
 <figcaption>Brian Malachi Beckford</figcaption>
 </figure>BRIAN MALACHI BECKFORD, 27, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $2,000ANDREW ALCANTAR, 27, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000SCOTT DOUGLAS HABLUETZEL, 43, Manhattan, Probation Violation, Remains confined to Riley County Jail

📷: Riley County Arrest Report April 1

By SHERIDAN WIMMER <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2023/03/23/kansas-artist-showcases-love-of-prescribed-burning-in-the-flint-hills">Kansas Living</a>

“You have arrived at your destination,” Google maps told me as I 
started up the driveway. I questioned Google, but when I saw a painting 
of a barn on the side of a shed, I knew I had indeed been led to the 
correct home north of Lawrence.

Stepping inside the home of Louis and Phyllis Copt takes you on a 
journey of photos, paintings, sculptures and even a wood-fired oven 
perfect for pizzas. There’s no lack of interest as your eyes wander 
through the home – and no shortage of laughter from the married couple 
of 52 years.

One image displayed is of the couple from their wedding day. Another 
is from their honeymoon where they hitchhiked through Europe.

“This is a bag of raisins,” Phyllis says as she points to the photo. 
“I didn’t know what a kilo was at the time, so I ordered that, and here 
we were with our two-pound bag of raisins.”

“Those raisins probably saved our lives,” Louis jokes.

Many of the paintings and sculptures throughout the house are ones Louis
 created himself. The painter has established a collection of artworks 
that showcase his love of Kansas.

Louis was born and raised in Emporia. But his time spent with his 
French-Swiss grandparents on a farm near Osage City fixed fond memories 
of milking cows and chasing chickens.

“My grandparents never had anything mechanized on their farm,” Louis 
says. “They worked everything by horse and wagon. They were strong. You 
have to be tough and smart to make a living on the land. That work ethic
 is how I think of what I do now as an artist – you have to work at it 
every day.”

Not only was his work ethic influenced by his grandparents, his love 
of Kansas and its landscape, too, was shaped by the childhood he enjoyed
 on their farm.

“Running around on the farm instilled a love for Kansas and its 
landscapes,” Louis says. “Specifically, I remember the barn being the 
nucleus of the farm. That’s where the cattle were, the horses, the hay. 
That’s where my inspiration for my barn collection comes from.”

His love of Kansas landscapes is evident in his other collection – 
ones that showcase the springtime prescribed burns on their land to 
rejuvenate growth and protect against wildfires.

Prescribed burns have been used in the Flint Hills for thousands of 
years. Native Americans used fire, which they called “the red buffalo”. 
The fires cause the grass to green up quickly which attracts the bison.

“It’s a renewal,” Louis says. “Burning is a positive thing. It is a 
practice that keeps the Flint Hills the Flint Hills. It is also an 
important stage in range management.”

Louis works directly with farmers and ranchers he’s become friends 
with over the years. The respect Louis has for farmers is evident in his
 work.

“Farmers are the salt of the Earth,” he says. “They’re stewards of 
the land and love what they do, and it’s their passion. There’s a shared
 connection between the ranchers I work with and the work I do because 
there’s a mutual respect and love for the land.”

Since prescribed burning in the Flint Hills requires specific weather
 conditions, (wind direction and speed are critical to a safe and 
successful burn) Louis and his contacts have a two-way system of getting
 in touch with each other when a controlled burn is planned.

“I’ll go out and photograph every spring to get inspiration photos of
 the controlled burns,” Louis says. “There’s a window of about one to 
two hours where the light is perfect. If it’s in the middle of the day, 
there isn’t a lot of drama. If you get the images too late, all you can 
see are the flames.”

From those photos, which Louis has collected binders through the years, Louis paints what he calls a preservation of the past.

“I see my work as preserving a bit of Kansas for future generations,”
 he says. “You look at paintings of Paris from the 1800s and it’s this 
little slice of history that’s been captured. That’s how I want my 
paintings to reflect Kansas – a look back on what Kansas looked like.”

Louis sees his journey of becoming the artist he is now as a renewal 
of its own. Early in his career, he was a journalist at the Emporia 
Gazette. When the Copts’ son, Nathan, was 2 years old, they moved to 
Germany for approximately a year.

When they came back to the United States in 1976, they settled in 
Lawrence – and after a few homes, they eventually designed and built the
 home they’re in now – complete with a studio and that impressive pizza 
oven.

Louis worked at Maupintour – a travel agency out of Lawrence – where 
he did advertising and marketing until 1984, when he decided to quit 
with support from his wife.

“Phyllis was the one who said to me, ‘If you’re going to be an 
artist, you need to do it full-time,’” Louis says. “That’s when I quit 
my corporate job and moved to New York City to attend the Art Students 
League for a summer.”

He took a risk by quitting his corporate life and hasn’t looked back.

“It’s about finding your passion,” he says. “Being an artist was really what I wanted to be and needed to be.”

The land that now has the barn painted on the side of its shed had 
once seen fire itself. Before the Copts built the house that’s now their
 home, the previous home was destroyed in a fire. From the ashes, the 
Copts built a home where fire is present, but in a way that gives back 
instead of takes through Louis’ paintings. As for the pizza oven, Louis 
likes a nice pepperoni pizza with black olives and green peppers.

Learn more about Louis Copt and his paintings at <a href="http://www.louiscopt.com" target="_blank">www.louiscopt.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680277460112.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERIDAN WIMMER <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2023/03/23/kansas-artist-showcases-love-of-prescribed-burning-in-the-flint-hills">Kansas Living</a>“You have arrived at your destination,” Google maps told me as I 
started up the driveway. I questioned Google, but when I saw a painting 
of a barn on the side of a shed, I knew I had indeed been led to the 
correct home north of Lawrence.Stepping inside the home of Louis and Phyllis Copt takes you on a 
journey of photos, paintings, sculptures and even a wood-fired oven 
perfect for pizzas. There’s no lack of interest as your eyes wander 
through the home – and no shortage of laughter from the married couple 
of 52 years.One image displayed is of the couple from their wedding day. Another 
is from their honeymoon where they hitchhiked through Europe.“This is a bag of raisins,” Phyllis says as she points to the photo. 
“I didn’t know what a kilo was at the time, so I ordered that, and here 
we were with our two-pound bag of raisins.”“Those raisins probably saved our lives,” Louis jokes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680277559204.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure>Many of the paintings and sculptures throughout the house are ones Louis
 created himself. The painter has established a collection of artworks 
that showcase his love of Kansas.<h2>Developing the Kansas work ethic</h2>Louis was born and raised in Emporia. But his time spent with his 
French-Swiss grandparents on a farm near Osage City fixed fond memories 
of milking cows and chasing chickens.“My grandparents never had anything mechanized on their farm,” Louis 
says. “They worked everything by horse and wagon. They were strong. You 
have to be tough and smart to make a living on the land. That work ethic
 is how I think of what I do now as an artist – you have to work at it 
every day.”Not only was his work ethic influenced by his grandparents, his love 
of Kansas and its landscape, too, was shaped by the childhood he enjoyed
 on their farm.“Running around on the farm instilled a love for Kansas and its 
landscapes,” Louis says. “Specifically, I remember the barn being the 
nucleus of the farm. That’s where the cattle were, the horses, the hay. 
That’s where my inspiration for my barn collection comes from.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680277592520.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Collecting pasture burns</h2>His love of Kansas landscapes is evident in his other collection – 
ones that showcase the springtime prescribed burns on their land to 
rejuvenate growth and protect against wildfires.Prescribed burns have been used in the Flint Hills for thousands of 
years. Native Americans used fire, which they called “the red buffalo”. 
The fires cause the grass to green up quickly which attracts the bison.“It’s a renewal,” Louis says. “Burning is a positive thing. It is a 
practice that keeps the Flint Hills the Flint Hills. It is also an 
important stage in range management.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680277627816.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure>Louis works directly with farmers and ranchers he’s become friends 
with over the years. The respect Louis has for farmers is evident in his
 work.“Farmers are the salt of the Earth,” he says. “They’re stewards of 
the land and love what they do, and it’s their passion. There’s a shared
 connection between the ranchers I work with and the work I do because 
there’s a mutual respect and love for the land.”Since prescribed burning in the Flint Hills requires specific weather
 conditions, (wind direction and speed are critical to a safe and 
successful burn) Louis and his contacts have a two-way system of getting
 in touch with each other when a controlled burn is planned.“I’ll go out and photograph every spring to get inspiration photos of
 the controlled burns,” Louis says. “There’s a window of about one to 
two hours where the light is perfect. If it’s in the middle of the day, 
there isn’t a lot of drama. If you get the images too late, all you can 
see are the flames.”From those photos, which Louis has collected binders through the years, Louis paints what he calls a preservation of the past.“I see my work as preserving a bit of Kansas for future generations,”
 he says. “You look at paintings of Paris from the 1800s and it’s this 
little slice of history that’s been captured. That’s how I want my 
paintings to reflect Kansas – a look back on what Kansas looked like.”<h2>Giving way to renewal</h2>Louis sees his journey of becoming the artist he is now as a renewal 
of its own. Early in his career, he was a journalist at the Emporia 
Gazette. When the Copts’ son, Nathan, was 2 years old, they moved to 
Germany for approximately a year.When they came back to the United States in 1976, they settled in 
Lawrence – and after a few homes, they eventually designed and built the
 home they’re in now – complete with a studio and that impressive pizza 
oven.Louis worked at Maupintour – a travel agency out of Lawrence – where 
he did advertising and marketing until 1984, when he decided to quit 
with support from his wife.“Phyllis was the one who said to me, ‘If you’re going to be an 
artist, you need to do it full-time,’” Louis says. “That’s when I quit 
my corporate job and moved to New York City to attend the Art Students 
League for a summer.”He took a risk by quitting his corporate life and hasn’t looked back.“It’s about finding your passion,” he says. “Being an artist was really what I wanted to be and needed to be.”The land that now has the barn painted on the side of its shed had 
once seen fire itself. Before the Copts built the house that’s now their
 home, the previous home was destroyed in a fire. From the ashes, the 
Copts built a home where fire is present, but in a way that gives back 
instead of takes through Louis’ paintings. As for the pizza oven, Louis 
likes a nice pepperoni pizza with black olives and green peppers.Learn more about Louis Copt and his paintings at <a href="http://www.louiscopt.com" target="_blank">www.louiscopt.com</a>.

Kansas artist showcases love of prescribed burning in the Flint Hills

By NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Director of Broadband Development Jade Piros de Carvalho wants to be sure low-income Kansans know of a way to reduce or eliminate their cost for internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

"We are embarking on a robust outreach campaign to help low-income Kansans recognize that this program exists,"&nbsp;Piros de Carvalho said. "This program can reduce the cost of your internet service by $30, or, for some providers who have offered high speed 100 megabit speeds for only $30, you can get it free. This is available to anybody who has household income that falls below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines."

The graphic below represents 100% of the guidelines, so, based on your family size, if you make less than twice these amounts annually, you would likely qualify for ACP.

For example, a family of four that makes less than $60,000 a year would likely be eligible.

"Additionally, a lot of people aren't aware of this, it also provides a $100 discount on a tablet or a computer,"&nbsp;Piros de Carvalho said. "You could also get a device with this program."

There are many programs like Lifeline, SNAP and Free and Reduced Lunch that have, in some manner, income guidelines already below the 200% of FPL level, so if you qualify for those, you qualify for this.

"If you are trying to access the internet only from your phone, you are probably not as able to apply for a job, or take advantage of telehealth with your health care provider or work remotely or further your education,"&nbsp;Piros de Carvalho said. "That device is just as important as the access."

To sign up for the ACP program, the state has a wizard at&nbsp;<a href="https://getacp.org/kansas">https://getacp.org/kansas&nbsp;</a>that will walk you through some questions to find out if you are eligible.

By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Director of Broadband Development Jade Piros de Carvalho wants to be sure low-income Kansans know of a way to reduce or eliminate their cost for internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program."We are embarking on a robust outreach campaign to help low-income Kansans recognize that this program exists,"&nbsp;Piros de Carvalho said. "This program can reduce the cost of your internet service by $30, or, for some providers who have offered high speed 100 megabit speeds for only $30, you can get it free. This is available to anybody who has household income that falls below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines."The graphic below represents 100% of the guidelines, so, based on your family size, if you make less than twice these amounts annually, you would likely qualify for ACP.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680271602617.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For example, a family of four that makes less than $60,000 a year would likely be eligible."Additionally, a lot of people aren't aware of this, it also provides a $100 discount on a tablet or a computer,"&nbsp;Piros de Carvalho said. "You could also get a device with this program."There are many programs like Lifeline, SNAP and Free and Reduced Lunch that have, in some manner, income guidelines already below the 200% of FPL level, so if you qualify for those, you qualify for this."If you are trying to access the internet only from your phone, you are probably not as able to apply for a job, or take advantage of telehealth with your health care provider or work remotely or further your education,"&nbsp;Piros de Carvalho said. "That device is just as important as the access."To sign up for the ACP program, the state has a wizard at&nbsp;<a href="https://getacp.org/kansas">https://getacp.org/kansas&nbsp;</a>that will walk you through some questions to find out if you are eligible.

Broadband director: Low-income Kansans can save on internet

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4fEi-BuxTE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho.

🎤 Forward Ever: USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho

Shaka Smart has packed an entire career's worth of experiences into 14 years as a college head coach. He led VCU to an improbable Final Four as a 30-something wunderkind in 2011, guided mighty Texas to a Big 12 Tournament title during six otherwise tepid years in Austin, and now has turned Marquette into a Big East beast.

It's sometimes easy to forget he's still just 45 years old.

Yet his work with the Golden Eagles this season might have been his best: Picked ninth in the 11-team league by its coaches, they won the regular-season title going away, then beat Xavier to win&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-east-marquette-xavier-df67d940335f3a9d69f2f6e7b626beaf">their first Big East Tournament championship</a>.

That earned Smart the AP coach of the year award Friday. He garnered 24 of 58 votes from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-college-basketball-player-of-year-b2820fee259952b664327b49a112f193">national media panel</a>&nbsp;to edge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sweet-16-kansas-tang-63e449c8d08c70b3726732c7246bb7a5">Kansas State's Jerome Tang</a>, who received 13 votes before guiding the Wildcats to the Elite Eight of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>, and Houston's Kelvin Sampson, who earned 10 before taking the Cougars to the Sweet 16.

Voting opened after the regular season and closed at the start of the NCAA Tournament, where the No. 2 seed Golden Eagles were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-michigan-state-marquette-izzo-690d24a67256a2bf187353c0bfed577a">knocked out in the second round</a>&nbsp;by Michigan State and Smart's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-east-regionalmichigan-state-marquette-shaka-smart-405b0ccc948ec1480a2749496b3c5ef8">longtime mentor, Tom Izzo</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679420939010.jpeg" alt="Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang (AP Photo/John Bazemore)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang (AP Photo/John Bazemore)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA&nbsp;Shaka Smart has packed an entire career's worth of experiences into 14 years as a college head coach. He led VCU to an improbable Final Four as a 30-something wunderkind in 2011, guided mighty Texas to a Big 12 Tournament title during six otherwise tepid years in Austin, and now has turned Marquette into a Big East beast.It's sometimes easy to forget he's still just 45 years old.Yet his work with the Golden Eagles this season might have been his best: Picked ninth in the 11-team league by its coaches, they won the regular-season title going away, then beat Xavier to win&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-east-marquette-xavier-df67d940335f3a9d69f2f6e7b626beaf">their first Big East Tournament championship</a>.That earned Smart the AP coach of the year award Friday. He garnered 24 of 58 votes from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-college-basketball-player-of-year-b2820fee259952b664327b49a112f193">national media panel</a>&nbsp;to edge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sweet-16-kansas-tang-63e449c8d08c70b3726732c7246bb7a5">Kansas State's Jerome Tang</a>, who received 13 votes before guiding the Wildcats to the Elite Eight of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>, and Houston's Kelvin Sampson, who earned 10 before taking the Cougars to the Sweet 16.Voting opened after the regular season and closed at the start of the NCAA Tournament, where the No. 2 seed Golden Eagles were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-michigan-state-marquette-izzo-690d24a67256a2bf187353c0bfed577a">knocked out in the second round</a>&nbsp;by Michigan State and Smart's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-east-regionalmichigan-state-marquette-shaka-smart-405b0ccc948ec1480a2749496b3c5ef8">longtime mentor, Tom Izzo</a>.“I'm very grateful to win this award," said Smart, the second Marquette coach to take it home after Hall of Famer Al McGuire in 1971, "but obviously it always comes back to the guys you have on your team.“Early on,” Smart said, “we had a real sense the guys had genuine care and concern for one another, and we had a very good foundation for relationships that we could continue to build on. And over the course of seasons, you go through so many different experiences as a team. And those experiences either bring you closer together or further apart. Our guys did a great job, even through adverse experiences, even through challenges, becoming closer together.”It's hardly surprising such cohesion is what Smart would choose to remember most from a most memorable season.The native of Madison, Wisconsin, who holds a master's degree in social science from California University of Pennsylvania, long ago earned a reputation for building close bonds with players and a tight-knit camaraderie within his teams.No matter how high or low the Golden Eagles were this season, those traits carried them through.“Everything that we go through, whether it be the retreat that we went on before the season, all the workouts in the summer, he’s preaching his culture,” said Tyler Kolek,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-all-america-mens-basketball-team-2ab037abcde5157ad840f7dcd22cc8a4">a third-team All-American</a>. “And he's showing his leadership every single day, and just trying to impart that on us, and kind of put it in our DNA. Because it's definitely in his DNA.”That's reflected in the way Smart, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-basketball-wisconsin-coronavirus-pandemic-texas-longhorns-mens-basketball-972b7ad63710f78f34b9a35797ed031c">accepted the Marquette job</a>&nbsp;two years ago after an often bumpy tenure at Texas, has rebuilt the Golden Eagles program after it had begun to languish under Steve Wojciechowski.Sure, Smart landed his share of transfers — Kolek among them — in an era in which the portal has become so prevalent. But he largely built a team that finished 29-7 this season around high school recruits, eschewing a quick fix in the hopes of long-term stability. Among those prospects were Kam Jones, their leading scorer, and do-everything forward David Joplin.“He teaches us lots of things about the importance of each other,” Joplin said. “He lets us know, time and time again, that we can’t do anything without each other, but together we can do anything.”That sounds like a decidedly old-school approach to building a college basketball program.One embraced by a still-youthful head coach.“I think being a head coach has never been more complicated, never been more nuanced, and never more all-encompassing," Smart told the AP in a wide-ranging interview last week. "Does that mean it's harder? You could say that.“What makes your job less hard," Smart said, "is having a captive audience in your players, and guys that truly understand and own what goes into winning, and that's what we had this past year. But those things just don't happen. There are a lot of steps that have to occur on the part of a lot of people, not just the coach, to get to where you have a winning environment.”

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