Category: News
Gol de Mikautadze afianza a Villarreal en 3er puesto de La Liga de España al vencer 1-0 a Levante
MADRID (AP) — El Villarreal se consolidó en la tercera posición en La Liga de España con una victoria 1-0 en casa de Levante el miércoles, en un partido que inicialmente se había pospuesto el año pasado.
Georges Mikautadze anotó el gol de la victoria a los 57 minutos, y Villarreal se colocó tres puntos por delante del cuarto Atlético de Madrid.
El Villarreal se encuentra a 10 unidades del segundo Barcelona, y a 12 del líder Real Madrid tras 24 jornadas.
Fue la segunda victoria del Villarreal en tres partidos, después de una racha de cinco encuentros consecutivos sin ganar en todas las competiciones.
Levante, que se mantuvo en el penúltimo puesto, ha perdido tres seguidos y no ha ganado en cuatro partidos.
El encuentro estaba programado para el 14 de diciembre, pero se suspendió por las fuertes lluvias en la región de Valencia. Se emitió una alerta meteorológica en la región.
___
Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Gol de Mikautadze afianza a Villarreal en 3er puesto de La Liga de España al vencer 1-0 a Levante
MADRID (AP) — El Villarreal se consolidó en la tercera posición en La Liga de España con una victoria 1-0 en casa de Levante el miércoles, en un partido que inicialmente se había pospuesto el año pasado.
Georges Mikautadze anotó el gol de la victoria a los 57 minutos, y Villarreal se colocó tres puntos por delante del cuarto Atlético de Madrid.
El Villarreal se encuentra a 10 unidades del segundo Barcelona, y a 12 del líder Real Madrid tras 24 jornadas.
Fue la segunda victoria del Villarreal en tres partidos, después de una racha de cinco encuentros consecutivos sin ganar en todas las competiciones.
Levante, que se mantuvo en el penúltimo puesto, ha perdido tres seguidos y no ha ganado en cuatro partidos.
El encuentro estaba programado para el 14 de diciembre, pero se suspendió por las fuertes lluvias en la región de Valencia. Se emitió una alerta meteorológica en la región.
___
Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Gol de Mikautadze afianza a Villarreal en 3er puesto de La Liga de España al vencer 1-0 a Levante
MADRID (AP) — El Villarreal se consolidó en la tercera posición en La Liga de España con una victoria 1-0 en casa de Levante el miércoles, en un partido que inicialmente se había pospuesto el año pasado.
Georges Mikautadze anotó el gol de la victoria a los 57 minutos, y Villarreal se colocó tres puntos por delante del cuarto Atlético de Madrid.
El Villarreal se encuentra a 10 unidades del segundo Barcelona, y a 12 del líder Real Madrid tras 24 jornadas.
Fue la segunda victoria del Villarreal en tres partidos, después de una racha de cinco encuentros consecutivos sin ganar en todas las competiciones.
Levante, que se mantuvo en el penúltimo puesto, ha perdido tres seguidos y no ha ganado en cuatro partidos.
El encuentro estaba programado para el 14 de diciembre, pero se suspendió por las fuertes lluvias en la región de Valencia. Se emitió una alerta meteorológica en la región.
___
Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Teacher Loses Career Over Two-Word Facebook Post Supporting ICE
Teacher Loses Career Over Two-Word Facebook Post Supporting ICE
James Heidorn, who taught at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, found himself at the center of a community firestorm that cost him not just his teaching position but his identity as an educator, all for posting two words on Facebook: “Go ICE.”
The incident began in late January when Heidorn, a 14-year physical education teacher, responded to a news story about a local police department pledging cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His personal Facebook post sparked immediate backlash in the heavily Hispanic district, with local activists circulating screenshots and demanding action against him.
School officials quickly notified Heidorn on Jan. 22 about growing social media chatter.
After meeting with HR staff that same day, he resigned briefly, then rescinded his decision hours later.
He was set to return on Monday pending an investigation. The investigation never got that chance.
“This process has been professionally and personally devastating and surreal,” former West Chicago teacher James Heidorn told Fox News Digital.
“I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model. To see it all upended over two simple words, ‘Go ICE,’ where I expressed my personal support for law enforcement felt like a severe blow to my career.”
Indeed, the outcry was relentless.
Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa, a Democrat, publicly condemned the post.
“I stand in unwavering solidarity with families upset about the disturbing comments reportedly made by an educator,” Villa said.
West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey joined the pile-on before any investigation concluded. In a Saturday Facebook video, he explained why Heidorn’s comments were “hurtful” and “offensive” to the community.
“So to have someone cavalierly rooting on—as if it’s a football game or something, yeah go—events which have traumatized these children… that is the issue,” Bovey said.
Meanwhile, parents organized online, planning a boycott by keeping their kids from school, and the city held a “listening session” on Jan. 26 at Bovey’s request, complete with a Spanish translator. Attendees described the post as “cruel” and said “kids do not feel safe.”
Heidorn maintained that his post meant nothing beyond supporting law enforcement.
“This started with a two-word comment on my personal Facebook page supporting law enforcement—nothing more,” Heidorn said. “It wasn’t directed at any student, family or school community.”
The distinction made no difference to the community or to the school administrators.
“I was placed on leave and faced intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could play out, with this it led to my resignation,” Heidorn said. He resigned a second time rather than face termination after a hearing with school officials.
A West Chicago Elementary School District 33 spokesperson called the post “disruptive” and said it “raised concerns and caused disruption for students, families and staff.” The district declined to specify which rule Heidorn violated or whether teachers who publicly disrupt in favor of opposing immigration enforcement would face similar consequences. In fact, teachers across the country have protested President Trump’s immigration policies without repercussions. In Chicago specifically, teachers even stormed a Target and harassed employees over the same policies without losing their jobs. But expressing support for law enforcement in Chicago is apparently controversial.
“It does feel like a double standard—due to my viewpoint being different from others within the community that I taught in,” Heidorn said. “Fairness should apply equally, regardless of those viewpoints. If personal political speech is grounds for punishment, it should be consistent—not selective based on what side you’re on.”
The fallout extended beyond his teaching position. Heidorn lost his coaching job at a nearby private school. He must now inform future employers that he resigned and explain why. “I really don’t know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do,” Heidorn said.
He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership to become the best teacher possible. Now he spends time healing. “I lost my career, my income and the chance to close out my time with my students properly—no farewell, no goodbyes,” Heidorn said.
Despite the loud outcry, Heidorn has received some local support, including a GoFundMe being set up for him.
“James Heidorn, a beloved physical education teacher at Gary Elementary School, resigned after a single social media comment ignited outrage and a one-sided account that quickly spiraled beyond control,” the GoFundMe page reads. “What followed was not reflection or fairness, but permanent consequences that have changed the course of his life.”
As for his future, he’s not sure what’s going to happen.
“I really don’t know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do,” he said. “It is all I have ever studied for and teaching is what has defined me. Even advancing my education with a master’s degree in educational leadership because I wanted to become the best teacher I can be.”
Heidorn said he’s exploring other options in education or related fields. “I want people to know I’m grateful for the outpouring of support from those who reached out, donated or shared my story,” he said. “It reminds me that most people value fairness and second chances. I’m determined to move forward positively and keep contributing to kids’ lives in whatever way I can.”
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 – 16:40
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/teacher-loses-career-over-two-word-facebook-post-supporting-ice
Teacher Loses Career Over Two-Word Facebook Post Supporting ICE
Teacher Loses Career Over Two-Word Facebook Post Supporting ICE
James Heidorn, who taught at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, found himself at the center of a community firestorm that cost him not just his teaching position but his identity as an educator, all for posting two words on Facebook: “Go ICE.”
The incident began in late January when Heidorn, a 14-year physical education teacher, responded to a news story about a local police department pledging cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His personal Facebook post sparked immediate backlash in the heavily Hispanic district, with local activists circulating screenshots and demanding action against him.
School officials quickly notified Heidorn on Jan. 22 about growing social media chatter.
After meeting with HR staff that same day, he resigned briefly, then rescinded his decision hours later.
He was set to return on Monday pending an investigation. The investigation never got that chance.
“This process has been professionally and personally devastating and surreal,” former West Chicago teacher James Heidorn told Fox News Digital.
“I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model. To see it all upended over two simple words, ‘Go ICE,’ where I expressed my personal support for law enforcement felt like a severe blow to my career.”
Indeed, the outcry was relentless.
Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa, a Democrat, publicly condemned the post.
“I stand in unwavering solidarity with families upset about the disturbing comments reportedly made by an educator,” Villa said.
West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey joined the pile-on before any investigation concluded. In a Saturday Facebook video, he explained why Heidorn’s comments were “hurtful” and “offensive” to the community.
“So to have someone cavalierly rooting on—as if it’s a football game or something, yeah go—events which have traumatized these children… that is the issue,” Bovey said.
Meanwhile, parents organized online, planning a boycott by keeping their kids from school, and the city held a “listening session” on Jan. 26 at Bovey’s request, complete with a Spanish translator. Attendees described the post as “cruel” and said “kids do not feel safe.”
Heidorn maintained that his post meant nothing beyond supporting law enforcement.
“This started with a two-word comment on my personal Facebook page supporting law enforcement—nothing more,” Heidorn said. “It wasn’t directed at any student, family or school community.”
The distinction made no difference to the community or to the school administrators.
“I was placed on leave and faced intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could play out, with this it led to my resignation,” Heidorn said. He resigned a second time rather than face termination after a hearing with school officials.
A West Chicago Elementary School District 33 spokesperson called the post “disruptive” and said it “raised concerns and caused disruption for students, families and staff.” The district declined to specify which rule Heidorn violated or whether teachers who publicly disrupt in favor of opposing immigration enforcement would face similar consequences. In fact, teachers across the country have protested President Trump’s immigration policies without repercussions. In Chicago specifically, teachers even stormed a Target and harassed employees over the same policies without losing their jobs. But expressing support for law enforcement in Chicago is apparently controversial.
“It does feel like a double standard—due to my viewpoint being different from others within the community that I taught in,” Heidorn said. “Fairness should apply equally, regardless of those viewpoints. If personal political speech is grounds for punishment, it should be consistent—not selective based on what side you’re on.”
The fallout extended beyond his teaching position. Heidorn lost his coaching job at a nearby private school. He must now inform future employers that he resigned and explain why. “I really don’t know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do,” Heidorn said.
He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership to become the best teacher possible. Now he spends time healing. “I lost my career, my income and the chance to close out my time with my students properly—no farewell, no goodbyes,” Heidorn said.
Despite the loud outcry, Heidorn has received some local support, including a GoFundMe being set up for him.
“James Heidorn, a beloved physical education teacher at Gary Elementary School, resigned after a single social media comment ignited outrage and a one-sided account that quickly spiraled beyond control,” the GoFundMe page reads. “What followed was not reflection or fairness, but permanent consequences that have changed the course of his life.”
As for his future, he’s not sure what’s going to happen.
“I really don’t know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do,” he said. “It is all I have ever studied for and teaching is what has defined me. Even advancing my education with a master’s degree in educational leadership because I wanted to become the best teacher I can be.”
Heidorn said he’s exploring other options in education or related fields. “I want people to know I’m grateful for the outpouring of support from those who reached out, donated or shared my story,” he said. “It reminds me that most people value fairness and second chances. I’m determined to move forward positively and keep contributing to kids’ lives in whatever way I can.”
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 – 16:40
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/teacher-loses-career-over-two-word-facebook-post-supporting-ice
Teacher Loses Career Over Two-Word Facebook Post Supporting ICE
Teacher Loses Career Over Two-Word Facebook Post Supporting ICE
James Heidorn, who taught at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, found himself at the center of a community firestorm that cost him not just his teaching position but his identity as an educator, all for posting two words on Facebook: “Go ICE.”
The incident began in late January when Heidorn, a 14-year physical education teacher, responded to a news story about a local police department pledging cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His personal Facebook post sparked immediate backlash in the heavily Hispanic district, with local activists circulating screenshots and demanding action against him.
School officials quickly notified Heidorn on Jan. 22 about growing social media chatter.
After meeting with HR staff that same day, he resigned briefly, then rescinded his decision hours later.
He was set to return on Monday pending an investigation. The investigation never got that chance.
“This process has been professionally and personally devastating and surreal,” former West Chicago teacher James Heidorn told Fox News Digital.
“I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model. To see it all upended over two simple words, ‘Go ICE,’ where I expressed my personal support for law enforcement felt like a severe blow to my career.”
Indeed, the outcry was relentless.
Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa, a Democrat, publicly condemned the post.
“I stand in unwavering solidarity with families upset about the disturbing comments reportedly made by an educator,” Villa said.
West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey joined the pile-on before any investigation concluded. In a Saturday Facebook video, he explained why Heidorn’s comments were “hurtful” and “offensive” to the community.
“So to have someone cavalierly rooting on—as if it’s a football game or something, yeah go—events which have traumatized these children… that is the issue,” Bovey said.
Meanwhile, parents organized online, planning a boycott by keeping their kids from school, and the city held a “listening session” on Jan. 26 at Bovey’s request, complete with a Spanish translator. Attendees described the post as “cruel” and said “kids do not feel safe.”
Heidorn maintained that his post meant nothing beyond supporting law enforcement.
“This started with a two-word comment on my personal Facebook page supporting law enforcement—nothing more,” Heidorn said. “It wasn’t directed at any student, family or school community.”
The distinction made no difference to the community or to the school administrators.
“I was placed on leave and faced intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could play out, with this it led to my resignation,” Heidorn said. He resigned a second time rather than face termination after a hearing with school officials.
A West Chicago Elementary School District 33 spokesperson called the post “disruptive” and said it “raised concerns and caused disruption for students, families and staff.” The district declined to specify which rule Heidorn violated or whether teachers who publicly disrupt in favor of opposing immigration enforcement would face similar consequences. In fact, teachers across the country have protested President Trump’s immigration policies without repercussions. In Chicago specifically, teachers even stormed a Target and harassed employees over the same policies without losing their jobs. But expressing support for law enforcement in Chicago is apparently controversial.
“It does feel like a double standard—due to my viewpoint being different from others within the community that I taught in,” Heidorn said. “Fairness should apply equally, regardless of those viewpoints. If personal political speech is grounds for punishment, it should be consistent—not selective based on what side you’re on.”
The fallout extended beyond his teaching position. Heidorn lost his coaching job at a nearby private school. He must now inform future employers that he resigned and explain why. “I really don’t know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do,” Heidorn said.
He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership to become the best teacher possible. Now he spends time healing. “I lost my career, my income and the chance to close out my time with my students properly—no farewell, no goodbyes,” Heidorn said.
Despite the loud outcry, Heidorn has received some local support, including a GoFundMe being set up for him.
“James Heidorn, a beloved physical education teacher at Gary Elementary School, resigned after a single social media comment ignited outrage and a one-sided account that quickly spiraled beyond control,” the GoFundMe page reads. “What followed was not reflection or fairness, but permanent consequences that have changed the course of his life.”
As for his future, he’s not sure what’s going to happen.
“I really don’t know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do,” he said. “It is all I have ever studied for and teaching is what has defined me. Even advancing my education with a master’s degree in educational leadership because I wanted to become the best teacher I can be.”
Heidorn said he’s exploring other options in education or related fields. “I want people to know I’m grateful for the outpouring of support from those who reached out, donated or shared my story,” he said. “It reminds me that most people value fairness and second chances. I’m determined to move forward positively and keep contributing to kids’ lives in whatever way I can.”
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 – 16:40
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/teacher-loses-career-over-two-word-facebook-post-supporting-ice
Of Notoriety: Don Knotts’ daughter Karen returns to Indiana roots for stage performance
When the funny and affable, as well as equally talented, Karen Knotts performed her one-woman show “Tied Up in Knotts” at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in May 2023, she brought a surprise with her along with her trunk of assorted props and costumes.
This was a family surprise and one that I didn’t learn on stage, but rather while driving her to O’Hare Airport (after a quick stop at Panda Express for some nosh during the ride north) for her to catch her flight back to Los Angeles.
It wasn’t a family tree surprise linked to her famous funny father Don Knotts aka Barney Fife of “The Andy Griffith Show” fame. Rather, this was an Indiana family tie directly tied to her late mom Kathryn Metz.
“My mom Kay was really from Lebanon, Indiana, even though online sources link her to Pennsylvania,” Karen told me.
“Her dad Carl was a minister. While mom was still alive, she was with me once when I traveled back to Indiana when I was a guest at an ‘Andy Griffith Show’ festival. It was too far from Lebanon so she had me drive us over for a quick visit and I got to see the home she grew up in as a young girl.”
Kathryn Elaine Metz Knotts Carly-Smith died at age 96 in September 2023, just a few months after her last performance on stage at Theatre at the Center in Munster.
It was late in April 1993, when I interviewed Karen’s dad, the funny and famously fidgety comedian Don Knotts, while he was co-starring with lovely Barbara Eden (soon to be 95!) in a national tour of the Neil Simon stage comedy “Last of the Red Hot Lovers.”
Karen, 72, is arriving back in Northwest Indiana next month to once again headline one performance of her hit one-woman stage show “Tied Up In Knotts” back at Theatre at the Center at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in the stage space at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster.
As comedian Karen explains about her father’s career start, he began as a ventriloquist during his military service days and by the 1950s, he was making the rounds of casting directors’ offices in New York City, “when destiny knocked on his door.”
He was cast for a small part in a Broadway play starring pal Andy Griffith, which would later lead to his legacy and TV icon status.
Fast-forward to the 1960s, CBS cast Griffith to star in a sitcom about a small town sheriff, and Knotts decided to ring up his former co-star to ask: “Could you use a deputy?”
Karen still beams when telling her father’s story, as she describes it, capturing “how Barney Fife was born.”
Karen is once again promising audiences plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from her famous dad, and both his movie and TV career, the latter of which not only includes “The Andy Griffith Show,” but also his famed resurgence in the 1980s as fussy landlord Mr. Furley on ABC hit sitcom “Three’s Company,” co-starring with the late John Ritter and Suzanne Somers.
According to Karen, while the other cast members were giving the late Somers, who died at age 76 in 2023, “the silent treatment” on the TV studio set after her manager husband had asked for a large pay increase for his wife, her dad remained friendly with his blonde co-star.
Tickets to “Tied Up In Knotts” starring Karen Knotts are $40 and available by calling the theater box office at 219-836-3255 or online at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.
There is also a special pre-show dining option in the ballroom of the CVPA before the performance. For an additional $30, guests can enjoy a special “Mayberry-themed” dinner served by 10Forty Catering and Banquets, featuring Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup followed by Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits served with Homestyle Mashed Potatoes and Peas and Carrots, and a dessert finale of old-fashioned Peach Cobbler à la Mode. For booking the meal reservation and prepayment, guests can call the Dining and Events Office at 219-836-1930 Ext. 2.
Karen Knotts’ 90-minute show features her narration with a multimedia presentation as a heartfelt and humorous tribute to her late father, who died at age 81 in 2006, which she describes as “the story of her dad’s career as told from his daughter’s memories and treasured stories of family stardom.”
Following her performance, Karen will also be greeting fans and signing copies of her new hardcover book of the same name, “Tied Up In Knotts” ($21, Chicago Review Press, Sept 2021).
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/of-notoriety-don-knotts-daughter-karen/
Of Notoriety: Don Knotts’ daughter Karen returns to Indiana roots for stage performance
When the funny and affable, as well as equally talented, Karen Knotts performed her one-woman show “Tied Up in Knotts” at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in May 2023, she brought a surprise with her along with her trunk of assorted props and costumes.
This was a family surprise and one that I didn’t learn on stage, but rather while driving her to O’Hare Airport (after a quick stop at Panda Express for some nosh during the ride north) for her to catch her flight back to Los Angeles.
It wasn’t a family tree surprise linked to her famous funny father Don Knotts aka Barney Fife of “The Andy Griffith Show” fame. Rather, this was an Indiana family tie directly tied to her late mom Kathryn Metz.
“My mom Kay was really from Lebanon, Indiana, even though online sources link her to Pennsylvania,” Karen told me.
“Her dad Carl was a minister. While mom was still alive, she was with me once when I traveled back to Indiana when I was a guest at an ‘Andy Griffith Show’ festival. It was too far from Lebanon so she had me drive us over for a quick visit and I got to see the home she grew up in as a young girl.”
Kathryn Elaine Metz Knotts Carly-Smith died at age 96 in September 2023, just a few months after her last performance on stage at Theatre at the Center in Munster.
It was late in April 1993, when I interviewed Karen’s dad, the funny and famously fidgety comedian Don Knotts, while he was co-starring with lovely Barbara Eden (soon to be 95!) in a national tour of the Neil Simon stage comedy “Last of the Red Hot Lovers.”
Karen, 72, is arriving back in Northwest Indiana next month to once again headline one performance of her hit one-woman stage show “Tied Up In Knotts” back at Theatre at the Center at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in the stage space at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster.
As comedian Karen explains about her father’s career start, he began as a ventriloquist during his military service days and by the 1950s, he was making the rounds of casting directors’ offices in New York City, “when destiny knocked on his door.”
He was cast for a small part in a Broadway play starring pal Andy Griffith, which would later lead to his legacy and TV icon status.
Fast-forward to the 1960s, CBS cast Griffith to star in a sitcom about a small town sheriff, and Knotts decided to ring up his former co-star to ask: “Could you use a deputy?”
Karen still beams when telling her father’s story, as she describes it, capturing “how Barney Fife was born.”
Karen is once again promising audiences plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from her famous dad, and both his movie and TV career, the latter of which not only includes “The Andy Griffith Show,” but also his famed resurgence in the 1980s as fussy landlord Mr. Furley on ABC hit sitcom “Three’s Company,” co-starring with the late John Ritter and Suzanne Somers.
According to Karen, while the other cast members were giving the late Somers, who died at age 76 in 2023, “the silent treatment” on the TV studio set after her manager husband had asked for a large pay increase for his wife, her dad remained friendly with his blonde co-star.
Tickets to “Tied Up In Knotts” starring Karen Knotts are $40 and available by calling the theater box office at 219-836-3255 or online at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.
There is also a special pre-show dining option in the ballroom of the CVPA before the performance. For an additional $30, guests can enjoy a special “Mayberry-themed” dinner served by 10Forty Catering and Banquets, featuring Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup followed by Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits served with Homestyle Mashed Potatoes and Peas and Carrots, and a dessert finale of old-fashioned Peach Cobbler à la Mode. For booking the meal reservation and prepayment, guests can call the Dining and Events Office at 219-836-1930 Ext. 2.
Karen Knotts’ 90-minute show features her narration with a multimedia presentation as a heartfelt and humorous tribute to her late father, who died at age 81 in 2006, which she describes as “the story of her dad’s career as told from his daughter’s memories and treasured stories of family stardom.”
Following her performance, Karen will also be greeting fans and signing copies of her new hardcover book of the same name, “Tied Up In Knotts” ($21, Chicago Review Press, Sept 2021).
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/of-notoriety-don-knotts-daughter-karen/
Of Notoriety: Don Knotts’ daughter Karen returns to Indiana roots for stage performance
When the funny and affable, as well as equally talented, Karen Knotts performed her one-woman show “Tied Up in Knotts” at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in May 2023, she brought a surprise with her along with her trunk of assorted props and costumes.
This was a family surprise and one that I didn’t learn on stage, but rather while driving her to O’Hare Airport (after a quick stop at Panda Express for some nosh during the ride north) for her to catch her flight back to Los Angeles.
It wasn’t a family tree surprise linked to her famous funny father Don Knotts aka Barney Fife of “The Andy Griffith Show” fame. Rather, this was an Indiana family tie directly tied to her late mom Kathryn Metz.
“My mom Kay was really from Lebanon, Indiana, even though online sources link her to Pennsylvania,” Karen told me.
“Her dad Carl was a minister. While mom was still alive, she was with me once when I traveled back to Indiana when I was a guest at an ‘Andy Griffith Show’ festival. It was too far from Lebanon so she had me drive us over for a quick visit and I got to see the home she grew up in as a young girl.”
Kathryn Elaine Metz Knotts Carly-Smith died at age 96 in September 2023, just a few months after her last performance on stage at Theatre at the Center in Munster.
It was late in April 1993, when I interviewed Karen’s dad, the funny and famously fidgety comedian Don Knotts, while he was co-starring with lovely Barbara Eden (soon to be 95!) in a national tour of the Neil Simon stage comedy “Last of the Red Hot Lovers.”
Karen, 72, is arriving back in Northwest Indiana next month to once again headline one performance of her hit one-woman stage show “Tied Up In Knotts” back at Theatre at the Center at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in the stage space at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster.
As comedian Karen explains about her father’s career start, he began as a ventriloquist during his military service days and by the 1950s, he was making the rounds of casting directors’ offices in New York City, “when destiny knocked on his door.”
He was cast for a small part in a Broadway play starring pal Andy Griffith, which would later lead to his legacy and TV icon status.
Fast-forward to the 1960s, CBS cast Griffith to star in a sitcom about a small town sheriff, and Knotts decided to ring up his former co-star to ask: “Could you use a deputy?”
Karen still beams when telling her father’s story, as she describes it, capturing “how Barney Fife was born.”
Karen is once again promising audiences plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from her famous dad, and both his movie and TV career, the latter of which not only includes “The Andy Griffith Show,” but also his famed resurgence in the 1980s as fussy landlord Mr. Furley on ABC hit sitcom “Three’s Company,” co-starring with the late John Ritter and Suzanne Somers.
According to Karen, while the other cast members were giving the late Somers, who died at age 76 in 2023, “the silent treatment” on the TV studio set after her manager husband had asked for a large pay increase for his wife, her dad remained friendly with his blonde co-star.
Tickets to “Tied Up In Knotts” starring Karen Knotts are $40 and available by calling the theater box office at 219-836-3255 or online at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.
There is also a special pre-show dining option in the ballroom of the CVPA before the performance. For an additional $30, guests can enjoy a special “Mayberry-themed” dinner served by 10Forty Catering and Banquets, featuring Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup followed by Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits served with Homestyle Mashed Potatoes and Peas and Carrots, and a dessert finale of old-fashioned Peach Cobbler à la Mode. For booking the meal reservation and prepayment, guests can call the Dining and Events Office at 219-836-1930 Ext. 2.
Karen Knotts’ 90-minute show features her narration with a multimedia presentation as a heartfelt and humorous tribute to her late father, who died at age 81 in 2006, which she describes as “the story of her dad’s career as told from his daughter’s memories and treasured stories of family stardom.”
Following her performance, Karen will also be greeting fans and signing copies of her new hardcover book of the same name, “Tied Up In Knotts” ($21, Chicago Review Press, Sept 2021).
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/of-notoriety-don-knotts-daughter-karen/
Los patrocinadores ganan visibilidad en los Juegos de Invierno con publicidad y menciones
Por JAMES ELLINGWORTH
MILÁN (AP) — Eileen Gu y todos los demás esquiadores de estilo libre esperan sus puntuaciones junto a una gran nevera con la marca Powerade, y luego se deslizan para irse sin tomar un trago.
Las botellas de la bebida deportiva azul están apiladas en los banquillos de penalización de hockey. Incluso los pañuelos de papel en la zona de “Kiss and Cry” del patinaje artístico, cargada de dramatismo, llevan marca.
Una de las formas en que los Juegos Olímpicos suelen destacar es por la ausencia de publicidad en los recorridos, las pistas y las laderas. Pero cada vez más en los Juegos de Milán-Cortina, los patrocinadores se están colando en la acción.
“Seguimos abriendo esas oportunidades para los socios”, manifestó Anne-Sophie Voumard, directora de marketing del Comité Olímpico Internacional, y señaló que los productos de los patrocinadores ahora pueden “estar presentes de forma orgánica” de manera más amplia.
El cambio parece haberse acelerado desde que el fabricante francés de artículos de lujo LVMH colocó de forma destacada su marca Louis Vuitton en la ceremonia de apertura de los Juegos Olímpicos de París 2024.
“Parece que ha habido una necesidad y un deseo crecientes por parte de los patrocinadores de que el COI muestre un mayor valor en el programa TOP (para los socios más grandes)”, le dijo a The Associated Press Terrence Burns, quien ha trabajado para el organismo olímpico en marketing y ha asesorado a patrocinadores y candidaturas de sedes.
Hay emplazamiento de producto en televisión, aunque sigue siendo moderado en comparación con la mayoría de los deportes estadounidenses. Los espectadores dentro de las arenas olímpicas escuchan menciones de los locutores y ven logotipos en la pantalla gigante.
Todo esto ocurre mientras los patrocinadores ponen la mira en nuevas oportunidades para los Juegos Olímpicos de Los Ángeles 2028.
El COI busca crear valor adicional en su programa TOP, que ha sido un éxito financiero para la organización durante cuatro décadas. Hay 11 patrocinadores TOP en Milán, después de alcanzar un máximo de 15 en París. Los ingresos en 2025 bajaron un poco, a 560 millones de dólares en efectivo y servicios, frente a 871 millones de dólares en 2024.
Ver un partido de hockey en la arena es diferente
Un partido olímpico de hockey se ve limpio y sin carácter comercial en televisión para los aficionados de la NHL, acostumbrados a ver patrocinadores en las vallas. En el recinto es un poco distinto.
“¡Esta es la ola Corona Cero!”, ruge un locutor, vinculando una marca de cerveza sin alcohol a los esfuerzos por animar a los aficionados en un silencioso partido de tarde con una ola alrededor de la arena.
Un fabricante de automóviles recibe una mención con la “Stellantis Freeze Cam”, y una entrevista con un boxeador durante el intermedio entre periodos es “gracias a Salomon”, una marca de ropa de esquí que firmó un acuerdo de patrocinio con el comité organizador de Milán Cortina.
Burns cree que los logotipos en las arenas olímpicas son un impulso moral para los patrocinadores, pero que valen relativamente poco en comparación con las grandes campañas que suelen lanzar en el año previo a los Juegos.
“Creo que es un ‘bien hecho’ psicológico ver tu marca en algún tablero dentro y alrededor de los Juegos Olímpicos”, comentó Burns. “Lo entiendo, pero muéstrenme cómo eso les ayuda a vender más cosas”.
Una tendencia a largo plazo de cara a los Juegos Olímpicos de Los Ángeles 2028 La Carta Olímpica, una especie de constitución de los Juegos, dice que cualquier logotipo en un recinto olímpico debe aprobarse “de manera excepcional”, pero el COI ha ido relajando gradualmente sus restricciones.
“El mundo olímpico se mueve lento, y así debe ser. Es una marca de 3.000 años, así que tienen que ser cuidadosos con ella”, sostuvo Burns.
Hace apenas una década, la política de “recinto limpio” era tan estricta que el personal del COI revisaba los secadores de manos en los baños de las arenas para asegurarse de que la marca del fabricante estuviera cubierta con cinta.
Para los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio en 2021, se relajaron las restricciones a los atletas para promocionar a sus patrocinadores personales en redes sociales, tras una impugnación legal en Alemania.
En los Juegos de París, las medallas se entregaron en el podio en cajas con la marca Louis Vuitton antes de que a los atletas se les diera un teléfono para “la Selfie de la Victoria Olímpica, presentada por Samsung”, una nueva tradición que ha continuado en los Juegos de Milán Cortina.
Voumard, la directora de marketing del COI, reconoció la necesidad de “tener presente el legado de esos (Juegos) Olímpicos y la singularidad de la presentación”.
Nuevas oportunidades
Los Juegos Olímpicos de Los Ángeles abrirán un nuevo terreno en materia de patrocinio.
Por primera vez, el COI ha aprobado la venta de derechos de nombre para recintos en un programa piloto. La sede de voleibol en Anaheim mantendrá su nombre Honda Center, tal como lo hace para los partidos de la NHL, y Comcast pondrá su marca en una arena temporal para el squash.
Hasta ahora, los estadios con nombres de patrocinadores tenían que cambiar a nombres genéricos para los Juegos Olímpicos. El O2 Arena de Londres se convirtió en la North Greenwich Arena para el baloncesto y la gimnasia en 2012, y una serie de estadios de fútbol franceses recibieron nuevos nombres para 2024.
Burns predice que el COI podría quedar bajo presión de los organizadores de Los Ángeles para dar más pasos favorables a los patrocinadores, y que quizá necesite rechazar algunas solicitudes para proteger la marca olímpica.
“No es irrazonable pensar que Los Ángeles miraría lo que pasó en París con Louis Vuitton o incluso con Samsung en un podio”, expresó Burns.
“Es su responsabilidad fiduciaria tratar de ganar tanto dinero como puedan. Así que van a estar buscando todas y cada una de las oportunidades para generar ingresos incrementales de los patrocinadores. Ese es el papel del COI como franquiciador: proteger eso”.
___
El redactor deportivo de AP Graham Dunbar contribuyó a este reportaje.
Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
