Plattsmouth was the lone KMAland winner in baseball action on Saturday (KMAland) -- Plattsmouth was the lone KMAland winner in baseball action on Saturday we attempt to be accurate in our reporting please contact us by emailing kmaradio@kmaland.com Email notifications are only sent once a day Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Iowa (KMTV) – The City to City bike ride is a 25 mile round trip between Glenwood and Plattsmouth a pet rescue in Plattsmouth and the Glenwood Fire Department a puppy who is up for adoption out of Happy Paws Happy Paws is participating for its first time in the City to City bike ride a fundraiser where neighbors ride 25 miles round trip between Plattsmouth and Glenwood The organization helps pay for vaccinations and surgeries It is also the only pet rescue in Plattsmouth Fundraisers like these are important because they rely on donations to continue their mission “We are going to have pups out at 7:45 in the morning to meet and greet the bikers before they out on their way We love being out in the public with our pups it is a good experience for our pups and us,” Lowell said Sunday morning to meet meatloaf and other happy paws animals before starting the journey to Glenwood And some of the proceeds from the bike ride go to the Glenwood Fire Department The Glenwood Fire Department covers a wide area in Mills County backing up the volunteer departments in smaller communities and responding to rural areas The department is a cornerstone of the community providing lifesaving services which is why the mills county chamber is using this as an opportunity fundraise for them Mills County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gitzy Loder said “We don't see the everyday that they are involved in they are keeping this community vibrant so anyway we can help with that and just help strengthen this fire department,” Loder said Neighbors starting the bike ride in Glenwood can meet at the Glenwood Fire Department before 8 a.m 8:30 AM CDTBy Dan SwansonPLATTSMOUTH - Republican Dean Helmick announced his candidacy for District 2 State Legislature today His Facebook post describes him as a commonsense conservative who has the support of the Cass County Republican Party commissioners Alex DeGarmo and Duane Murdoch and Plattsmouth Mayor Paul Lambert Helmick is a former Air Force major who has continued to serve at Offutt Air Force Base as a civilian Pete Ricketts to the Legislature in 2017 and was elected in 2018 and 2022 The Republican is a member of the appropriations committee and is currently leading a bill to provide funding to counties after the elimination of the inheritance tax Here is the candidate's press release conservative Republican Dean Helmick launched his campaign for Legislative District 2 conservative from Plattsmouth running to be a voice for Nebraska’s conservative values in the Legislature and launches his campaign with the endorsement of the Cass County Republican Party, Cass County Sheriff Robert Sorenson Cass County Commissioners Alex DeGarmo & Duane Murdoch and community leader Craig Buescher. District 2 includes all of Cass County and the northeast portion of Lancaster County.  common-sense conservatives in Lincoln who will stand up for hardworking families across our state—that’s why I’m running for the Legislature,” said Helmick “I’ll fight back against special interests and focus on the issues that truly matter to everyday Nebraskans.” “I’m committed to lowering the tax burden for hardworking Nebraskans—especially retirees and small businesses,” Helmick continued a staunch defender of our constitutional freedoms and will fight to protect women’s sport and reign in out-of-control government.” Dean has dedicated 42 years of service to the Department of the Air Force both as an active-duty member and a civilian His active-duty career spanned from 1983 to 2004 during which he served in both enlisted and officer roles he continued his commitment to national defense as a civilian at Offutt Air Force Base They have two adult children and five beautiful grandchildren Your access to this service has been limited If you think you have been blocked in error contact the owner of this site for assistance If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges on this site please enter your email address in the box below and click "Send" You will then receive an email that helps you regain access Wordfence is a security plugin installed on over 5 million WordPress sites The owner of this site is using Wordfence to manage access to their site You can also read the documentation to learn about Wordfence's blocking tools or visit wordfence.com to learn more about Wordfence Click here to learn more: Documentation 6 May 2025 4:33:26 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCASS COUNTY (WOWT) - Firefighters were called to a rural residence Thursday morning near Murray Plattsmouth and Bellevue firefighters responded to the house fire located about 5.5 miles south of Plattsmouth The response closed a nearby portion of northbound Highway 75 as crews worked to extinguish the fire Get a first alert to breaking news delivered to your email. Sign up for First Alert 6 email alerts. Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInOMAHA (WOWT) - A man has been arrested after two separate robbery incidents in West Omaha was arrested Thursday and booked into Douglas County Corrections in connection to the incidents the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a robbery at the Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh witnesses said an older man wearing a surgical mask went inside the store Video evidence helped investigators find Woita as the suspect, a report states. Thursday morning, officers located him in the area of Highway 370 and 25th St. DCSO also reports that Woita was identified by the Omaha Police Department as a suspect in another robbery. police responded to the robbery at Cobalt Credit Union in Family Fare near 204th and Pacific Streets OPD says the suspect showed the teller a note stating he had a gun The man got away with an unknown amount of cash The suspect was described as a white man in his 50s or 60s and about 6 foot tall with an average build he was wearing a tan and white ball cap with an “A” logo The supermarket remained open as authorities investigated The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was also on the scene Suspect images came out from the convenience store robbery that investigators matched up with the bank robbery Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInPLATTSMOUTH (KOLN) - The Plattsmouth Volunteer Fire Department battled a shed fire Friday night crews were called to Horning Road for a structure fire at 11:23 p.m The fire department said crews also established a water shuttle operation as there were no hydrants in the area the fire was extinguished and the State Fire Marshall began the investigation The building was a total loss and no injuries were reported Cedar Creek and Cass County Emergency Management to the incident Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox Savannah and Plattsmouth were all winners while Hailey Sanchez Aliana Nolasco and Khloee Stoops had big games in KMAland girls soccer on Thursday Goals — Missouri Valley: Khloee Stoops (Interview below) Shutout — Missouri Valley: Alexis Hernandez Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInOMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A man made a court appearance after two separate robbery incidents in West Omaha Friday appeared in Douglas County Court on Friday for both robberies His preliminary hearing is set for April 23 police responded to a robbery at Cobalt Credit Union in Family Fare near 204th and Pacific Streets the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to another robbery at the Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh The convenience store is about 1.5 miles away from the bank that was robbed and booked him into Douglas County Corrections Suspect images came out from the convenience store robbery that investigators matched up with the theft Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInFREMONT COUNTY (WOWT) - A 38-year-old Plattsmouth man recently made an appearance in court after his arrest in Iowa Jared Rye has been charged with assault while displaying a dangerous weapon bringing a controlled substance to a correctional facility The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office says they arrested Rye near the area of 210th Avenue and Highway 2 A report states that Rye allegedly “rammed into a vehicle and then exited his truck while displaying a knife.” He was arrested with the help of the Iowa State Patrol Rye is being held on a $15,000 bond at the Fremont County Jail firearm violationSheriff reports three arrests on FridaySunday 3:49 PM CSTBy Dan SwansonPLATTSMOUTH - The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests for possession and one for forgery on Friday Lisa Fencl is suspected of possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence The 46-year-old Plattsmouth woman is also suspected of possession of a firearm during a drug violation of Omaha was jailed on a court commitment for possession Bullock was sentenced to 180 days in jail for a $1,605 check to Main Street Jeweler’s in Plattsmouth (KMTV) — The nonprofit Reach Out and Read was founded in 1989 it is growing - including in Nebraska and Iowa as seen on-air.Talk to her for even a minute Tina Scott-Mordhorst of Children's Physicians in Plattsmouth is passionate about Reach Out and Read as she sorted through a cabinet full of titles Scott-Mordhorst's connection with the national nonprofit was formed more than 20 years ago "Once we started doing it and getting invested in it then you really want that for your community and your practice," she shared she's helped grow the program from Council Bluffs to Kearney "When I see patients in this clinic where we have Reach Out and Read that family is going to get a book for that child at every healthcare visit from six months to five years," Scott-Mordhorst explained times 100,000 - the number of kids served today in Nebraska and Iowa The goal is more than three-and-a-half times that amount bring more books for families and children train more doctors - and make sure that every child had access to Reach Out and Read regardless of where they lived or what zip code they grew up in," CEO Marty Martinez said via Zoom Adding - that starting at six months is essential because it gives parents a chance to capitalize on time "Seventy percent of a child's brain is developed by the age of three their brain is developing and moving pretty quickly," he explained Scott-Mordhorst said she's seen the difference a home library makes: in her young patients If you're a parent who'd like to learn more, or a doctor who'd like to take part, or you're interested in donating to help clinics stock books, visit this website The latest KMAland Senior Spotlight heads to Plattsmouth where Rylee Johnson is closing out a strong senior year of basketball (Plattsmouth) -- The latest KMAland Senior Spotlight heads to Plattsmouth who has seen a five-point increase in his per-game average up to 11 per contest has taken on a big role as a senior with the Blue Devils “We’ve had a pretty good season,” Johnson said and I’m having the best season (of my career) I’m doing a lot more within my game then just as a team from the beginning of the season Despite the loss of high-scoring standout Gage Olsen jumping from six a year ago to nine with one game left to go in the regular season “We’ve gotten a lot better in a lot of aspects of the game,” Johnson said “We’ve dropped a couple close games that we definitely would like to win I was the sixth man as a sophomore and then got a lot of playing time as a junior There was a guy ahead of me that took a lot more shots so I think this year just shooting the ball a lot more and being confident (has been important).” While Johnson is focused on trying to finish strong in basketball Johnson led the team with 19 receptions for 213 yards and four touchdowns He will continue playing football at the next level with Morningside in Sioux City “I’ve always loved the game of football growing up,” Johnson said “My coach is always pushing me and telling me that I have potential to play at the next level whether it’s a smaller school or bigger school Then just wanting to continue that love for the sport and play it at the next level I just don’t think I could see myself not playing.” Morningside has been one of the top NAIA football programs over the last decade-plus and Johnson is excited to become a part of that winning culture “I really liked the coaches,” Johnson said my receivers coach just seems like a guy I really want to work with being one of the better teams and having a winning season for however many years it’s like wanting to put myself around those guys.” Plattsmouth will close out their regular season on Friday against Standing Bear before turning their attention to the postseason “We want to finish out with (wins),” Johnson said “I’d love to see us perform all 32 minutes of the game and just see improvement Listen to much more with Johnson in the latest KMAland Senior Spotlight below Alyssa Cunningham, Maryville Dakota Wise, Clarinda Peyton Welsh, Louisville Josh Mogensen, Sioux City North Dax Powell, Twin Cedars Vera Grom, Sioux City West Rachel Ogden, Moulton-Udell Jake Hoyt, Creston Daylen Kocour, Missouri Valley Sadie Cox, Lenox Colin Wambold, Sterling Caleb Urban, East Mills Maria Puck, Boyer Valley Kiki Demke, Sioux City East Carver Konzem, Ashland-Greenwood Tarryn Godsey, Nebraska City Jocelyn Prado, Johnson County Central Jake Redden, Northeast Nodaway Tyler Martin, Mount Ayr Braedon Godfread, Sidney Kate Logue, Southeast Warren Evan Sorensen, Atlantic Camden Soukup, AHSTW Parker Hays, Coon Rapids-Bayard Rylie Walter, Palmyra Braxon Linville, North Andrew Andyn White, Treynor Ty Walker, Conestoga Nash Dykes, Central Decatur Ian Thompson, Hamburg Wylie McKinnon, King City  Blayne Smith, Ar-We-Va Emerson Gregg, Lewis Central Manny Rodgers, Underwood Addison Wheeler, Sergeant Bluff-Luton Trista Lager, Stanberry Carter Wander, Syracuse Carter Osborne, Orient-Macksburg Cam Leslie, Auburn Laynie Gawley, IKM-Manning Josh Nelson, Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton Layla Ewing, Moravia Malachi Skillen, Rock Port Ava Graham, Nodaway Valley Johnny Ryan, Abraham Lincoln Leah Rinchiuso, Seymour Noah Phillips, Thomas Jefferson Danyelle Steinkuehler, Woodbine Bode Wyman, Griswold Amanda Malone, Diagonal Ashlynn Tigges, Glidden-Ralston Olivia Mahaney, Fremont-Mills Aidan Schmidt, Elmwood-Murdock Jesse Jens, Harlan Brody Johnson, Melcher-Dallas Josiah Gray, Heartland Christian Alex Morgan, Southwest Valley Reagan Bauer, Savannah Mayah Slater, Denison-Schleswig Owen Anderson, Mormon Trail Kayte Pankau, Mound City Jason Barry, West Harrison Maddie Weston, Nodaway Valley Lauren Benedict, Lourdes Central Catholic Adam Obrecht, Audubon Alexis Joint, Red Oak Owen Martin, North Nodaway Wes Vana, Logan-Magnolia Izzie Moore, Wayne Tate Bieret, Kuemper Catholic Brinkley McAdams, Weeping Water AC Roller, Riverside Katie Quick, Ankeny Christian Isah VanArsdol, Tri-Center Dalton Swartz, Bedford Lauren Olson, Lamoni Owen Marshall, St. Albert Cole Scamman, Shenandoah Cole Staudt, Glenwood Emilou Schulenberg, Falls City Jayla Irvine, East Atchison Trace Milne, South Holt Bree Mitchell, Stanton Caden Page, Murray Maleeah Bliley, Platte Valley Taryn Ottemann, Johnson-Brock Nodaway Valley (MO) and Plattsmouth both landed wins while East Atchison Savannah and Falls City were also in action in KMAland baseball on Friday (KMAland) -- Nodaway Valley (MO) and Plattsmouth both landed wins while East Atchison Lebanon 11 Savannah 8 (at Steve Lael Leadoff Classic Glendale 4 Savannah 1 (at Steve Lael Leadoff Classic Plattsmouth won the Trailblazer Conference Tournament while Ashland-Greenwood was second in the TBC Louisville and JCC took top-three finishes at Freeman and Weeping Water went 1-1 in dual action on Friday in KMAland boys wrestling (KMAland) -- Plattsmouth won the Trailblazer Conference Tournament while Ashland-Greenwood was second in the TBC Plattsmouth claimed the team championship behind individual wins from four Ashland-Greenwood was the runner-up with three champions Check out the area results below and complete results here: https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/predefinedtournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=904668132 Plattsmouth (188.5 points) — Champions: Jack Laney (106) Ashland-Greenwood (171 points) — Champions: Archer Ferguson (113) Nebraska City (78 points) — Top Finishers/2nd Place: Noah Boyer (106) Louisville and Johnson County Central finished in the top three and with two champions each at Freeman Check out the area results below and complete results here: https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/predefinedtournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=904500132 Louisville (112.5 points) — Champions: Peyton Welsh (113) Johnson County Central (110 points) — Champions: Erik Prado (106) Palmyra (30.5 points) — Top Finisher/3rd: Drake Dowding (190) Plattsmouth wrestling seems primed to make some noise in the postseason and will look to begin that quest this weekend when they host their annual tournament (Plattsmouth) -- Plattsmouth wrestling seems primed to make some noise in the postseason and will look to begin that quest this weekend when they host their annual tournament The Blue Devils will welcome 14 other teams to town According to the schedule on TrackWrestling it's their final regular-season tournament before the Class B District Meet on February 15th "It's been an up and down year for us," Plattsmouth head coach Jerrod Nielsen tells KMA Sports compiling a 7-2 record with wins over Lexington Fort Calhoun and Mount Michael Benedictine 7 in Nebraska's Class B Wild Card Standings -- the system which determines the eight State Dual Tournament qualifiers "I feel we're hard to beat against almost anybody in seven weights I feel it's going to come down to bonus points I don't know if anyone is going to dominate us We feel we're right there and able to compete with anybody we can get qualified for state duals and show people how good of a team we've got." the Blue Devils' last showing -- a team title at Ashland-Greenwood's Jack Murray Invite on January 10th -- has been their best performance to date We expect to have a lot of guys reach the podium win a bunch of matches and score a bunch of team points Some of our guys need to realize how good they are Getting those confident in their ability and proving in tournaments is big for us right now." The Blue Devils have five wrestlers ranked in NEWrestle's latest Class B rankings: Jack Laney (No Those five have respective records of 15-8 Vick -- a Northwestern football and wrestling commit -- is the only senior in that group and is one of just three seniors in the lineup "He's a great kid and hard worker who takes care of business We had a meet where Wes wasn't there and everything was different It opened my eyes to what Wes means to this group of guys and how they need him to lead everything He knows what he's doing and keeps the young guys in line Plattsmouth will go toe-to-toe with Auburn "We always want to have a tough tournament," Nielsen said "Lincoln East brings a tough Class A team to the meet They'll probably end up winning the tournament We want to be challenged on our home mats and find tough competition." the Blue Devils' push towards postseason success starts this weekend "I consider it the close to our mid-season," he said "The real season starts as soon as Saturday ends It's time to start pushing and fine-tuning things." Click below to hear the full interview with Coach Nielsen 4:46 PM CDTBy Dan SwansonPLATTSMOUTH - A Cass County judge handed down a 35 to 40-year prison sentence for a Plattsmouth man convicted of sexual assault of a child in August earlier entered pleas in district court to sexual assault Kochen was arrested on the strangulation charge in May Additional charges were filed after the victim told police about incidents four years earlier involving Kochen Plattsmouth had a strong showing at the Louisville Quad on Friday while Louisville’s Braxton Nebuda also won a title there (KMAland) — Plattsmouth had a strong showing at the Louisville Quad on Friday Find the full KMAland boys track & field rundown below They did not have any champions but received a runner-up finish from Joseph Mazella in the 800 Find the full results here: https://live.athletic.net/meets/46746 Team scores were not tabulated at this meet but LeMars had a trio of runner-up finishes highlighted by a pair of from Wichieng Hosnyang (60 hurdles & high jump) Find the full results here: https://dakotatiming.anet.live/meets/43322/teams/1122827 60 meter hurdles (8.47) & high jump (6-06.00) Sioux City West — Top Finisher/12th Place: Plattsmouth had a productive day with four golds Nathan Frederick (high jump) and Traceson Skalberg (triple jump) were individual champs for the Blue Devils Louisville’s Braxton Nebuda (100) was also the champion 300 hurdles) were two-time champs and Kobee Martin (high jump) won one event 100 meters (11.58) & long jump (19-02.75)  400 meters (52.92) & triple jump (41-01.00) 1600 meters (4:51.90) & 3200 meters (11:09.90) 110 meter hurdles (16.35) & 300 meter hurdles (40.25) A new coach and losing eight seniors from the program's best two-year stretch ever has not slowed down Plattsmouth baseball early in the 2025 season (Plattsmouth) -- A new coach and losing eight seniors from the program's best two-year stretch ever has not slowed down Plattsmouth baseball early in the 2025 season outscoring Falls City and Omaha Gross Catholic by a combined 14-1 kicking off Tim Winters' reign as head coach in style we knew our pitching would be our strong point," Winters said Gross threw three good arms at us and we had to manufacture a couple of runs." The 2023 and 2024 Plattsmouth baseball seasons were magical The Blue Devils qualified for their first-ever state tournament in 2023 and ran it back in 2024 last year's squad had eight seniors & head coach Jim Olsen stepped down at the end of the season who served as an assistant under Coach Olsen feels the cupboard was far from bare entering this year "I've been with this group for a while," he said We still have some pieces we're trying to put together But if you have arms that will keep you in games Winters points to pitching as the Blue Devils' strength Louis Ingram and Cody Demboski have also seen time on the bump The quartet has allowed only six hits and one earned run across 12 innings "They're filling up the zone and using their secondary pitches to keep hitters off balance," Winters said the Blue Devils have hit just .184 as a team through the first two games Six different players have recorded at least one hit Eli Winters is the only Blue Devil to record multiple hits "We're not worried about averages," Coach Winters said "We're just trying to figure out how to get on base use our speed and manufacture runs as much as we can." Continuing to grow on the offensive end will be a point of emphasis for the Blue Devils as they trudge forward "It's the mentality of being comfortable in the plate and trusting our training," he said "Being the aggressors at the plate is what we need to focus on I just want us to continue to be good teammates and live up to the standards of Plattsmouth baseball We'll go back to the drawing board on the hitting part Plattsmouth's next game is Thursday against Fort Calhoun They'll end the week on Saturday against Wahoo/Bishop Neumann Click below to hear the full interview with Coach Winters Greta Goede is your Sarpy County neighborhood reporter She's passionate about connecting with neighbors and bringing important stories to light As the holidays approach many neighbors may be looking to shop for themselves and their loved one Here are some local small businesses getting ready for the holiday season: neighbors can find a store full of candles body care and more all containing bee pollen or honey “Everything is all natural and made in house in small batches,” co-owner Wendy Fletcher said Fletcher said the most popular products for neighbors are the jams they sell and some of her favorites are ones that come out during this time of the year especially when it’s so dry out,” she said Fletcher said the thing she loves most about her businesses is being able to provide natural products and being a positive impact for her community “We just love what we do,” owner of Quirky Candies and Gifts Rick Gray said have a mix of items in their store like vases we wanted a place where we can be us and we can make people happy and of course sell the things we make,” Rick said The Gray’s can customize most of the items in their store “We want to make sure that everyone that comes in can find something that they would need,” Gina said The Gray’s said they enjoy having their store in Plattsmouth and do it all for the community Neighbors looking to decorate their homes for the holidays The Gift Niche in Ashland is one place you can go Long time employee Sherri Peterson said she looks forward to this time of year since it gets really busy there’s lots of stuff going on in little old Ashland,” she said Sherri said she loves to visit with neighbors who come in and give them idea of decorations and gifts Some favorites in the shop are the household items children’s toys and of course the decorations  “You can come in here and find just about anything you could possibly want and hopefully something unique you won’t find somewhere else,” she said  Neighbors who are looking to decorate for the holidays or want to find something unique for a loved one Northwest Missouri State’s running program is adding another member of the Dix family (Plattsmouth) -- Northwest Missouri State’s running program is adding another member of the Dix family Plattsmouth senior Jolie Dix recently signed with the Bearcats and will join her older brother Elijah in the track and field and cross country programs and then my brother is there right now,” Jolie Dix told KMA Sports “He played a big part in my decision just because he speaks really highly of it and of head coach Wick Cunningham He really enjoys it so I feel good about that.” Along with the familiarity with the program and the rousing recommendation from her brother Dix also says Northwest Missouri State fits her academic goals “My major is going to be elementary education and they have a really good elementary education program,” Dix said “It’s always been something I’ve kind of wanted to do but then my senior season during cross country season I just didn’t want that to be it for me I just kind of knew that I wanted to run in college and I was not ready for it to be completely done yet.” Dix will have a bit of rehabilitation to work through after tearing her ACL and meniscus during the high school basketball season so an opportunity like this is exactly what she wanted “I’m just feeling super grateful that I still have the opportunity to run in college,” Dix said “I won’t get to finish out my career this season but it’s been a good reminder that my identity isn’t in running It’s also something that’s super fun that I love to do duper grateful and blessed I have the opportunity to run (in college).” Check out much more with Dix on her college decision in the audio file below The Plattsmouth girls and Conestoga girls and boys were in KMAland soccer action on Saturday (KMAland) - The Plattsmouth girls and Conestoga girls and boys were in KMAland soccer action on Saturday Plattsmouth defensive standouts per Coach Trey Cossel: “Julia Sweeney (goalie) had some amazing saves and Riley Pletka stepped up well in her first game at centerback.” Conestoga Coach Anton Yost: “Believe it or not Grace Rodis and Elliott Zimmerman played well.” Conestoga Coach Larry Welch: "Ty Walker played really well at center mid." Plattsmouth multi-sport standout Riley Pletka is set to try her hand at another sport at the next level (Plattsmouth) -- Plattsmouth multi-sport standout Riley Pletka is set to try her hand at another sport at the next level soccer and wrestling during her time at Plattsmouth “What (Kansas State) does is go on MaxPreps and kind of filters it out looking for athletes that are tall and kind of involved in a lot,” Pletka told KMA Sports and then athletes can choose to fill it out I got this letter for the past three years Pletka says that led to several phone conversations with some of the K-State rowing coaches “I was just learning a little about the sport,” she said “Eventually that turned into a couple of visits and I kind of just kept communicating with the coaches to kind of see what this is really about.” Pletka pulled the trigger on taking this opportunity with Kansas State “It seems like they really care about their athletes a lot I think what I really liked is what drives them is their teammates and doing the best they can for them and they seemed to be really interested in me as well.” Listen to much more with Pletka on her college decision in the audio file below 6 May 2025 4:35:28 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); A fifth-year senior for the Southwest Minnesota State indoor and outdoor track and field teams Smith graduated from Plattsmouth High School in 2020 he was a district and conference wrestling champion placing 10th at the state meet as a junior and also a two-time state qualifier in track and field The NSIC is saddened by the passing of Southwest Minnesota State University track and field student-athlete Hunter Smith. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire Mustang Community. https://t.co/5GjARrH7ob pic.twitter.com/12PemRFAKB he competed for the Mustangs at the 2024 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championships in the pole vault for both indoor and outdoor Smith placed fifth at the outdoor championships and was ninth at the indoor meet He also won the DSU Twilight in pole vault and the Gustie Twilight event title Smith was a six-time academic all-NSIC recipient and twice was named to the CSC academic all-district He was president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes “Our campus community is grieving the loss of a wonderful young man,” SMSU Director of Athletics “Hunter was a tremendous leader on our campus specifically within our track and field program His impact was felt throughout campus because he was involved in so many different things “Our department was better with Hunter in it we send our deepest condolences to Hunter’s family We will support each other through this difficult time and carry Hunter’s legacy with us.” a political science major set to graduate in the spring is the son of Natalie Papstein and Chris (Marla) Smith His father posted a message on Facebook sharing the news of the passing “It is with heavy hearts and extreme sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of our son Hunter Michael Smith,” the post said “Hunter will be missed by everyone as he has touched millions of lives through family Please respect our family wishes for time of grief together.” DANA BECKERDana Becker has been a sports writer in Iowa since 2000 Dana resides in northcentral Iowa and started as a writer with SB Live Sports in 2022 focused on the state of Iowa Along with providing coverage of football and wrestling He began writing for High School on SI in 2023 © 2025 ABG-SI LLC - SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit If you or someone you know has a gambling problem crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER 6 May 2025 4:35:45 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());.