Nazareth Area High School recognized 47 college-bound senior athletes with a signing event last month.
Click the gallery atop this post to see photos from the ceremony and find the full list of signees below:
1/45 2025 Nazareth Area High School signing ceremony Nazareth Area High School recognized 47 college-bound senior athletes with a signing event last month. Click the gallery atop this post to see photos from the ceremony and find the full list of signees below: If you purchase a product or register for an account through a […]
Nazareth Area High School recognized 47 college-bound senior athletes with a signing event last month.
Click the gallery atop this post to see photos from the ceremony and find the full list of signees below:
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BOISE, Idaho — Bryan Kohberger, the masked man who snuck into a rental home near the University of Idaho campus and stabbed four students to death in late 2022, is expected to face the families of his victims in court Wednesday at his sentencing hearing. Whether those families will get any answers about why […]
BOISE, Idaho — Bryan Kohberger, the masked man who snuck into a rental home near the University of Idaho campus and stabbed four students to death in late 2022, is expected to face the families of his victims in court Wednesday at his sentencing hearing.
Whether those families will get any answers about why he did it or how he came to target the home on King Road in Moscow remains to be seen. But Kohberger, 30, is expected to be sentenced to life in prison for murdering Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin in the rural college town of Moscow.
He pleaded guilty earlier this month in a deal to avoid the death penalty. He will have an opportunity to speak at the sentencing — as will the loved ones of his victims.
Here’s what to know about Kohberger’s sentencing.
A plea deal was reached before a trial
Mogen, Kernodle, Goncalves and Chapin were found stabbed to death on Nov. 13, 2023. The crime horrified the city, which hadn’t seen a homicide in about five years, and prompted a massive hunt for the perpetrator.
Kohberger, a graduate student in criminology at nearby Washington State University, was arrested in Pennsylvania, where his parents lived, roughly six weeks later.
Police said they recovered DNA from a knife sheath found at the home, and used genetic genealogy to identify Kohberger as a possible suspect. They accessed cellphone data to pinpoint his movements and used surveillance camera footage to help locate a white sedan that was seen repeatedly driving past the home on the night of the killings.
A Q-tip from the garbage at his parents’ house was used to match Kohberger’s DNA to genetic material from the sheath, investigators said.
Kohberger’s attorneys got the trial moved to Boise after expressing concerns that the court wouldn’t be able to find enough unbiased jurors in Moscow. But Judge Stephen Hippler rejected their efforts to get the death penalty taken off the table and to strike critical evidence — including the DNA — from being admitted in trial.
The trial had been set to begin next month.
In exchange for Kohberger admitting guilt and waiving his right to appeal, prosecutors agreed not to seek his execution. Instead, both sides agreed to recommend that he serve four consecutive life sentences without parole for the killings.
The victim’s families were split on how they felt about the plea deal.
Kohberger’s motive and many other details are unknown
If they know why Kohberger did it, investigators haven’t said so publicly. Nor is it clear why he spared two roommates who were home at the time.
Cellphone location data did show Kohberger had been in the neighborhood multiple times before the attack.
Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson has said that Kohberger used his knowledge about forensic investigations to attempt to cover his tracks by deep cleaning his vehicle after the crime.
Police say Kohberger’s Amazon purchase history shows he bought a military-style knife as well as the knife sheath found at the home. But the knife itself was never found.
The case drew widespread interest and judges feared the publicity could harm Kohberger’s right to a fair trial. A sweeping gag order was imposed and hundreds of court documents were sealed from public view.
After Kohberger pleaded guilty, a coalition of news organizations including The Associated Press asked that the gag order be lifted and the documents be unsealed. Hippler agreed, but said unsealing the documents will take time and that process won’t begin until after the sentencing hearing. It’s not clear how many answers they might contain.
Kohberger can speak at sentencing or refuse
The families and surviving roommates of the victims will have the opportunity during the sentencing hearing to describe the damage the killings have done to them. Because there are so many of them, the hearing could stretch into Thursday.
Kohberger will also have the opportunity to speak. Defendants sometimes use such chances to express remorse, ask for mercy, or to say whatever else they think the court should hear before sentencing.
But Kohberger also has the right to remain silent — despite a suggestion from President Donald Trump that the judge should force Kohberger to explain himself.
“I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders,” Trump wrote online on Monday. “There are no explanations, there is no NOTHING.”
Foundations honor Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan
Friends and family members have sought to commemorate the victims’ lives by raising money for scholarships and other initiatives.
Ethan’s Smile Foundation, started by Chapin’s family, honors his “love of life, people, and new adventures by providing scholarships that enable others to follow their dreams,” its website says.
The Made With Kindness Foundation honors the legacy of Mogen, Goncalves, and Kernodle through scholarships, wellness support and empowerment initiatives. “Our mission is to inspire and uplift the next generation, turning their dreams into realities in a world that values compassion and community,” its website says.
The University of Idaho built the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial in memory of all students who passed away while enrolled at the school.
Story Links MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) announced their Scholastic Honor Roll on Wednesday, July 23rd, and the Gustavus gymnastics team made the list. The WIAC presents an All-Academic Award to those institutions that have a grade point average for its student-athletes that is equal to, or greater […]
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) announced their Scholastic Honor Roll on Wednesday, July 23rd, and the Gustavus gymnastics team made the list.
The WIAC presents an All-Academic Award to those institutions that have a grade point average for its student-athletes that is equal to, or greater than, the grade point average of the overall student body.
The Gustie gymnastics team competes in the WIAC for conference competition with Hamline, Simpson, UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stout, UW-Whitewater, and Winona State.
During the 2024-25 season, Gustavus finished sixth in the WIAC out of nine teams, with a 3-8 record (3-6 WIAC). The season was highlighted by a win at Simpson where the team had season-best performances in every event and had the best performance in program history with a 190.275 and hosting the NCGA Division III National Championships where senior Lili Guy (Glendale Heights, Ill.) competed on the floor exercise and vault to finish out her college career.
Mitchell J. Kurtz Age 58, of Plainfield, Illinois, passed from this life Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Rush Copley Medical Center after a courageous battle against cancer with family by his side. He was born on August 1, 1966, to Kenneth T. and Karen Kurtz in Joliet, where he was raised and educated. He was […]
Mitchell J. Kurtz
Age 58, of Plainfield, Illinois, passed from this life Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Rush Copley Medical Center after a courageous battle against cancer with family by his side.
He was born on August 1, 1966, to Kenneth T. and Karen Kurtz in Joliet, where he was raised and educated. He was a graduate of the class of 1984 from Joliet West High School, where he was a member of the ice hockey team for all four years and served as captain his senior year. Following High School, Mitch went on to play ice hockey at the College of DuPage and was also captain during his tenure at COD, wearing the ‘C’ proudly. Mitch then went on and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he was a proud member and central figure of the “Ice Cats” Hockey team.
He is the beloved father of Bryce and Olivia Kurtz; dearest son of Kenneth and Karen Kurtz; dear brother of Guy, Brett (Mari) and Chad (Diane) Kurtz; fond uncle of Zoe, Andre, Joseph, Sarah, Sophia, Brayden, Nicholas, Christopher, Emma and his Godson, Leo. Mitch is also survived by Bryce and Olivia’s mother; his godfather, Bob Galle;
and both Mike Reardon and Dennis Vietoris, who offered unwavering support and care during his illness—Mike as a trusted mentor and supporter, and Dennis as a loyal friend and caregiver. He also leaves behind his canine companion, Koda, along with many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Mitch’s career began in Madison, WI, where he was an account executive with NBC affiliate WMTV. He then returned home to Joliet and was employed for many years in the Joliet area as a designer and sales associate with Brakur Custom Cabinetry and Tri Star Cabinets.
Mitch enjoyed many hobbies and was known as a true outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, and snowboarding, especially in his favorite place, Aspen, with hockey being his ultimate passion. His competitive spirit fostered a ‘finish first’ mantra that will be remembered by all who knew him.
Mitch had a deep love for music, especially live performances. He cherished attending concerts, particularly when he could share the experience with his children. His favorite band was Led Zeppelin, whose music brought him great joy throughout his life.
Mitch’s favorite role was that of a proud father. Never missing his children’s, nieces or nephews’ hockey games, events, and rarely missing practices. One can say that the hockey rink was truly Mitch’s happy place. Mitch’s proudest achievement, however, was raising them as a single father, providing unwavering support. He treasured every moment spent watching Bryce & Olivia thrive, beaming with pride at their talents and achievements both on the ice and in their daily lives, and you could always find him in the same corner of the rink.
A memorial hockey game will be held in Mitch’s honor on Wednesday, July 30th at 8:00 p.m. at Inwood Ice Arena, 3000 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL, 60435. All are welcome to attend and watch the Kurtz family and close hockey friends come together on the ice to celebrate Mitch’s life and love for the game.
A Memorial Visitation for Mitchell J. Kurtz will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd) in Joliet. All friends and relatives are invited to gather on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 129 S. Division St. (Rt 59) Plainfield, IL, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.
For those who are not able to attend mass, please click on this link https://www.youtube.com/@StMaryImmaculate/streams and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers and connection are. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mitch’s name can be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America. Donations can be made at https://curesarcoma.org/mitch-kurtz/
Duluth, Ga. – The Atlanta Gladiators announced that the club has signed forward Ryan Nolan for the 2025-26 season. Nolan returns to the ECHL after playing 16 games with the Adirondack Thunder toward the end of the 2024-25 season, scoring three points (1g-2a). He scored his first ECHL goal in his first ECHL game on […]
Duluth, Ga. – The Atlanta Gladiators announced that the club has signed forward Ryan Nolan for the 2025-26 season.
Nolan returns to the ECHL after playing 16 games with the Adirondack Thunder toward the end of the 2024-25 season, scoring three points (1g-2a). He scored his first ECHL goal in his first ECHL game on February 12, 2025, vs Trois-Rivieres. Nolan played 38 games with the SPHL’s Fayetteville Marksmen last season, averaging a point-per-game with 38 points (17g-21a) in 38 games with the club.
The 27-yeaer-old began his professional career in the SPHL with the Peoria Rivermen in 2023, helping the team capture the President’s Cup with 20 points (11g-9a) in 24 games during the regular season. He then signed with Fayetteville for the 2024-25 season. Nolan played three seasons of college hockey at Merrimack College, and one at Michigan State University ahead of his pro debut in 2023.
“I kind of knew it was going to be a competitive camp, just from what I’ve heard, but I didn’t know it was going to be this well run and organized,” Johnson said. “It was so much fun competing against the best players in the country. It was fun meeting new kids and learning from […]
“I kind of knew it was going to be a competitive camp, just from what I’ve heard, but I didn’t know it was going to be this well run and organized,” Johnson said. “It was so much fun competing against the best players in the country. It was fun meeting new kids and learning from all the seminars and coaches at the camp.”
In 59 games with the Stars, the left-handed Johnson scored four goals and tallied 23 points.
He’ll likely play the upcoming season with the Sioux Falls Power, a Tier 1 program in South Dakota committed to player development.
All this success on the ice has been unexpected considering equestrian remained Johnson’s main athletic pursuit for years.
“Hockey was a side thing when I was riding horses and I don’t think my parents thought it was going to go this far,” Johnson said. “Everyone thought it wasn’t going to get as big as it is for me, but it turned out to be the main thing.”
When it comes to riding horses, Johnson took after his mother, Meg, who was a co-captain on Auburn’s equestrian team and three-time champion at the Forth Worth Stock Show who continues to compete to this day.
“My mom rode equestrian her whole life and when I’d go to the barn with her, I fell in love with riding, too,” Charlie said. “It’s you and the horse out there and it’s nobody else, and you get to bond with the animal every time you’re out there.”
Charlie followed in Meg’s footsteps and was a champion at the Forth Worth Stock Show at the youth level, but hockey eventually became his sport of choice.
Meg Johnson isn’t surprised. There’s a photo of a days-old Charlie and his father listening to a North Dakota college hockey game together. The family also previously hosted players from the NAHL’s Lone Star Brahmas.
“It has been really fun to watch the passion he has for hockey all the way up until now,” Meg Johnson said. “He’s always taken hockey so seriously and he’s been so devoted and dedicated to the game at home. It’s a lot of fun to see him compete with kids at this level.”
Charlie had plenty of athletic influences growing up. Now, whether he’s on horseback or skating on the ice, he continues to live by the values he learned from his parents.
“It all comes from the hard work that was instilled in me through an early age,” Charlie said. “It really helped me out because all I can control is how hard you work and good things will come after that.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
The House v. NCAA settlement is confusing. So let me bullet point a few things before getting to the big news reported yesterday by Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger. [Sign up for Inside Texas for $1 and get PLUS access up to the Ohio State game!] House is a person, not the United States House of Representatives. […]
The House v. NCAA settlement is confusing. So let me bullet point a few things before getting to the big news reported yesterday by Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger.
[Sign up for Inside Texas for $1 and get PLUS access up to the Ohio State game!]
So how does this all come back to Texas? Well, let me just leave you with a quote from Texas One Fund president Patrick “Wheels” Smith from the beginning of July, right when the House era of college athletics began and when CSC and NILGo was seen as a major roadblock for any future collective deals.
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“We are fully independent, and we should be because having independence helps Texas as much as it helps us,” Smith said. “We can move, adapt, and change and float whatever necessary.”
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