🎙️ Coaches Corner: Washington County Tigers – 10/09/2026

Tuttle Creek Reservoir in Kansas has risen to 1,094.76 feet due to heavy rainfall, currently at 15% of its flood-storage capacity. The Big Blue River upstream is falling, with minor flooding noted. Flood warnings for Blue Rapids and Beatrice continue as levels are expected to drop below flood stage. Caution is advised for residents.

Heavy rainfall in northeast Kansas and southeast Nebraska has caused the Big Blue River to flood, expected to crest at 36 feet soon. Tuttle Creek Lake is also rising, with inflow increasing significantly. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reduced outflow to manage rise. Residents are advised to follow safety guidelines amid flooding risks.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved bids for various state highway projects during a letting on September 16 in Topeka. The projects span multiple districts, including asphalt resurfacing, sealing, and bridge replacements, with significant contracts awarded to local firms. Total funding amounts reach into the hundreds of millions.

Kansas Farm Bureau has awarded Crystal Bashford and Dalton Black the 2026 Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year awards for their exemplary work in mental health advocacy in rural Kansas. Bashford established crisis-support resources, while Black implemented suicide prevention initiatives. Both recipients will be recognized at upcoming events and receive support for their continued efforts.

Kansas State University veterinarians aired a podcast at the Kansas State Fair Birthing Center, showcasing animal agriculture and livestock birthing. They discussed the calving process, emphasizing patience and nature's role. The fair provides educational opportunities for students, highlighting their projects and hands-on experiences in agriculture and veterinary medicine.