January 9th, 2012.  It was D-Day.  A decision from the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) and a new destination for Horton High School.  Following a presentation by Horton administrators and after hearing pros and cons from three area league powers; (Big 7, Twin Valley and Northeast Kansas) the KSHSAA placed Horton in the new Northeast Kansas League starting next fall with  the 2013-14 school year.  

After losing out by one vote in joining the Big 7 League and then being turned away by the Twin Valley League (story) it was a quick and unanimous 10-0 vote by KSHSAA on Wednesday.  That means Horton is the ninth member of the NEK League, which also includes the eight schools that broke apart the Delaware Valley League to form their own affiliation.  Horton joins: Pleasant Ridge, Maur Hill/Mount Academy, Immaculata, Oskaloosa, McLouth, Valley Falls, Jefferson County North and Jackson Heights in the new NEK League, which also voiced some concern about the possibility of KC Christian eventually asking to be placed back in a league as well.  But for now, KC Christian is set to remain independent, and is the last piece to the puzzle in the former Delaware Valley League of 14 schools.

Doniphan West and Troy are heading to the Twin Valley League (14 schools) starting in 2013-14 and ACCHS and Riverside are set to join the Big 7 League, which is going to have 10 schools in 2013-14, but then will be down to 9 the following year when Santa Fe Trail leaves for the Pioneer League. (story)        

Although their likely are more changes ahead, and most likely an addition to the Big 7 League, it seems every local school in Northeast Kansas at least has a league home for the years to come.