U.S. Senator Roger Marshall spent Friday visiting with Fort Riley leaders about Irwin Army Community Hospital.

Marshall noted that he and his staff learned in December of 2024 that the Department of Defense was considering the closure of the hospital, "probably making it into an urgent care clinic." Since then they have been engaged with the Department of Defense to keep the hospital open.

"We expect the VA System to come in here next week. By opening up the hospital and facilities here to more veterans. There are some 17,000 veterans here in the service area. That would give IACH more numbers."The Senator added that VA will be at Fort Riley this next week to hopefully sign some final documents.

Marshall is hopeful that veterans can begin getting healthcare in March at Irwin Amy Community Hospital.

Senator Marshall’s visit comes after months of advocacy and coordination with the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), following reports that the hospital could be downgraded to an acute care clinic — threatening emergency, surgical, and maternity care options in the North Central Flint Hills Region.

During a Fort Riley visit last summer, DHA leadership emphasized their commitment to strengthening IACH’s future and keeping the hospital at full capacity.

Sen. Marshall works to preserve Irwin Army Community Hospital

MARION COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Sunday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Focus driven by Sharon Sumner, 70, Florence, was eastbound on U.S. 50 at 5th Street in Florence one half mile south of the U.S. 77 junction. The driver was blinded by headlights of westbound traffic. The car traveled into the ditch and struck a culvert.

EMS transported Sumner to&nbsp;Newton Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after car strikes a culvert

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this year’s first Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22.

“The new year is all about new doors opening and new opportunities on the horizon,” Toland said. “And what better way to kickstart your new year than exploring the wide array of fulfilling career opportunities available in Kansas.”

The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at 877-509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2F4fa13887-56f5-4f70-8a8e-15ad40a883d7%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-january-22,-2026/1/0101019b9e565055-72d4cf41-20e4-4c41-9820-f0a8bc7fed66-000000/v50bB3OSjtVIxQCAmWqClvLzUIj5ESUlPUK-Dr4ubFE=439">here</a>.

Commerce hosts first Virtual Job Fair of new year with new opportunities

The Junction Cigh School KAY&nbsp; Club will work to support the homeless shelter, Fresh Start. They will sponsor a food drive Jan. 13 - 16. Donations may be dropped off at the JCHS Event Center during the basketball games on Jan. 13 and Jan. 16.

Food items that will be accepted include cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned meats, crackers and non-perishables.

KAY Club will conduct a food drive

The Geary USD 475 Board of Education will elect officers for the coming year when they meet Monday evening at the Devin Center.&nbsp;

The Board will elect a President and Vice President.

In other business they will consider a staff recommendsation that they approve the Fort Riley Middle School HVAC upgrade project at a total cost of approximately $6,400,000.

BOE is scheduled to elect officers Monday evening

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Bailey Collier, Failure to appear, arrested 01/08

Geary County Booking Photos Jan. 9, 2026

A Kansas-developed wheat variety has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind trophy honoring Bill Snyder, blending Kansas State University research, farmer stewardship and K-State football tradition into a single handcrafted work of art.

American master straw artist Marian Vavra created the trophy using the KS Bill Snyder hard red winter wheat variety, released in 2023 through K-State and licensed by the Kansas Wheat Alliance. The trophy was hand-built entirely from the wheat straw itself and designed as a ceremonial tribute to Coach Snyder’s legacy and Kansas agriculture.

“This piece gave me a way to honor Coach Snyder while also honoring the researchers who breed wheat and the farmers who decide what seed to plant,” said Vavra. “It brings all of those stories together in one form.”

The project began during the 2025 Wheat Plot Tour at the K-State Research and Extension John C. Pair Horticultural Center, where Vavra first saw the KS Bill Snyder variety growing in the field. While most visitors discussed agronomic performance and yield potential, Vavra evaluated the wheat for artistic qualities such as straw strength, stem length, head shape and color.

Because research plots cannot be harvested, the wheat used for the trophy was sourced from licensed test fields near Yoder, Kansas. With permission from Kauffman Seed Company, Vavra hand-harvested six bundles of KS Bill Snyder wheat in June, using three bundles entirely to create the finished piece.

The trophy’s design is inspired by a traditional Ukrainian harvest form known as a didukh, a symbolic sheaf that represents legacy, renewal and gratitude. Vavra adapted the three-tiered structure to reflect Kansas wheat production, K-State research and the lasting culture of agriculture in the state.

“Wheat carries history with it,” Vavra said. “From the people who brought seed to Kansas, to the breeders who improve it, to the farmers who grow it, this trophy reflects that entire journey.”

The upper tier of the trophy features fanned wheat heads and a straw star symbolizing the Kansas motto, Ad astra per aspera. The middle tier represents Kansas soil and the abundance held within each wheat head. The lower tier serves as the foundation and features a football medallion that transforms the piece into a recognizable trophy.

Every element of the football was made from the KS Bill Snyder wheat itself. Straw was flattened to create the football surface, while fine straw threads were spun and sewn to form seams and edging. Purple ribbon and trim were added as finishing touches to clearly mark the piece as a K-State tribute.

The back of the football documents the trophy’s creation, including the wheat’s harvest location, licensing and release through K-State research. While inspired by traditional straw techniques, the football design and K-State symbolism make the piece an original artistic work.

This project highlights how Kansas wheat extends beyond the field, reflecting the connection between research programs, seed companies, farmers and Kansas culture.

The Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation supports wheat research above and beyond the dollars contributed by Kansas farmers through the checkoff by providing a mechanism for donors to give meaningfully to the future of wheat production. The foundation attracts a wide range of donors, from individuals with deep family ties to wheat production to global supporters. Established in 2012, the foundation has grown to more than $6 million in assets, highlighting the critical need for public-private partnerships in wheat research. Gifts to the KWCRF are used exclusively for wheat research and are tax-deductible.

Support the KS Bill Snyder variety and wheat research as part of the Legendary Greats giving campaign through the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation (KWCRF) at <a href="http://ksbillsnyder.com">ksbillsnyder.com</a>

From Field to Trophy: Kansas Wheat Honors Coach Bill Snyder

Many districts have already gone to not allowing cell phones in the middle and high school levels of education. Now there will be a bill going before Kansas House members addressing the topic, explained State Representative Nate Butler. "This will make legislation pass through that will force them to make sure that there's no cell phones in middle schools and high schools." Butler added, of course, that there would be a lot of requirements on when students could and could not have cell phones. Butler will be one of the sponsors of the bill.

The 2026 legislative session begins next week.

Other issues that are expected to receive discussion will range from redistricting&nbsp;to a reduction in property taxes. Ninety days are set aside for the session.

Butler represents the 68th District in the Kansas House.

Cell phone usage in schools is an issue on the horizon for legislators

Junction City, Manhattan, and Chapman, KS —&nbsp;Konza Prairie Community Health Center is making it easier for families and individuals to get the care they need by expanding hours across Junction City, Manhattan, and Chapman. The new schedule offers earlier openings and longer days to accommodate work, school, and transportation challenges.

Konza can offer expanded hours thanks to funding from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). "Expanding our hours means more opportunities for patients to receive care when it works for them," said Danielle Hallgren, CEO, Konza Prairie Community Health Center. "We know that work schedules, childcare, and transportation challenges often prevent people from getting the care they need. Thanks to HRSA’s support, we can better meet those needs and keep our community healthier."

The HRSA Expanded Hours project began in 2023 and was implemented in two phases. Over the course of this two-year initiative, Konza has added a total of 24 clinical hours per week across its Junction City, Manhattan, and Chapman locations. Phase 1 extended evening hours at the Manhattan clinic. Phase 2 introduces early morning hours at both Junction City and Manhattan clinics and – in Chapman – adds a full clinic day plus an additional hour of nutrition services. These operational changes equate to 1,248 additional clinical hours, across all three communities, annually.

“This approach ensures patients receive the services they need most, exactly where they need them,” said Hallgren. “It embodies Konza’s patient-centered philosophy and reinforces our team’s mission to improve access to care for everyone.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kpchc.org/">www.kpchc.org</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;your local Konza clinic.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration supports health centers nationwide in improving access to essential services. This funding enables clinics to offer extended hours, ensuring patients can receive timely care outside of traditional business hours.

About Konza Prairie Community Health Center

Konza Prairie Community Health Center is a trusted provider of comprehensive healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Konza serves uninsured, underinsured, fully insured, and Medicaid beneficiaries, offering medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to improve the overall health and well-being of our communities.

Konza Prairie Community Health Center Extends Hours to Better Serve Local Communities

A&nbsp; pharmacy construction project will begin on Jan. 12 at Irwin Army Community Hospital. It will last through mid-March, to replace fire shutter doors and enhance patient and staff safety during emergency evacuations. According to Fort Riley while pharmacy operations will continue, patient interactions and prescription pickup will temporarily move to the lobby area in front of the pharmacy, and patients should expect longer wait times during construction.

&nbsp;The IACH pharmacy will offer extended hours on Saturday, Jan. 10, and Sunday, Jan. 11, to support patients ahead of construction.&nbsp;

Construction project slated at IACH

GEARY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Thursday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1991 Chevy S10 driven by Terry J. Riley, 21, Melbourne, Florida, was eastbound on Interstate 70 took the Marshall&nbsp; Field exit to Fort Riley. The driver attempted to turn left onto Marshall Drive and the pickup began to spin due to road conditions. The pickup struck a 2021 Jeep Compass driven by Blake L. Frederick, 19, Melbourne, Florida, who was stopped on Marshall Drive waiting to enter Interstate 70 eastbound.

EMS transported a passenger in the Jeep identified as Sarah L.&nbsp;Johnson, 19, Kingston, North Carolina, to&nbsp;Stormont Vail Hospital-Flint HIlls. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after pickup, SUV crash

A Kansas City restaurant is warning against violence after a customer threatened to kill staff, including a teen, over a refund.

On their social media page,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.paulsdriveinkc.com/" target="_blank">Paul’s Drive In</a>&nbsp;wrote the&nbsp;incident occurred Wednesday Jan. 7, at its location., 10424 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City,&nbsp;

"To our customers and community—this is an important post."

"Last night, our team experienced a situation that crossed a line no service worker should ever have to face. A customer became verbally aggressive during a routine refund and escalated to making explicit threats of violence, including threats to kill our staff. One of the employees involved is 16 years old."

"The customer’s concern was already being handled. A refund was actively in progress. There was never any refusal to resolve the issue."

"We train our team to prioritize safety above all else. When the threats began, the refund was completed and the individual was removed from the property. The entire incident was captured on our security system, and a police report is being filed."

"Threatening violence over a food order is not acceptable. Ever."

'It is not “passion.” It is not “frustration.” It is assault under Missouri law."

"We go out of our way to take care of our customers, but we will not tolerate threats, intimidation, or abuse of our staff, especially our minors. The service industry is experiencing an alarming rise in behavior like this, and it has to stop."

'To the individual involved: you are no longer welcome at Paul’s Drive In."

"To everyone else: thank you for continuing to treat our team with kindness, respect, and basic human decency. We stand with our employees. Always."

KC restaurant issues warning after customer threatened to kill staff

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair&nbsp;<a href="https://google.com/search?q=apnews+">Jerome Powell</a>&nbsp;said Sunday the Department of Justice has served the central bank with subpoenas and threatened it with a criminal indictment over his testimony about the Fed's building renovations.

The move represents an unprecedented escalation in President Donald Trump's battle with the Fed, an independent agency he has repeatedly attacked for not cutting its key interest rate as quickly as Trump prefers. The subpoena relates to his testimony before the Senate Banking Committee in June, Powell said, regarding the Fed's $2.5 billion renovation of two office buildings, a project that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-federal-reserve-building-renovation-2393d9ac9fdb9508f285d0faa5f4de41">Trump criticized as excessive</a>&nbsp;this summer.

In a video statement, Powell said the threat of criminal charges are “pretexts” to undermine the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-independence-5c2ec1a37dc4aca6a59544f8b4513a45">Fed's independence</a>&nbsp;when it comes to setting interest rates.

“This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions—or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation,” Powell said.

The Justice Department in a statement Sunday said it can’t comment on any particular case, but added that Attorney General Pam Bondi “has instructed her US Attorneys to prioritize investigating any abuse of tax payer dollars.”

A spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office didn’t immediately respond Sunday to a text message and phone call seeking comment.

The potential indictment has already drawn concern from one Republican senator, who said he’ll oppose any future nominee to the central bank, including any replacement for Powell, until “this legal matter is fully resolved.”

“If there were any remaining doubt whether advisers within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should now be none,” said North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who sits on the Banking Committee, which oversees Fed nominations. “It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question.”

🎥Fed Chair responds to Trump DOJ investigation, indictment threat

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Honda Accord driven by Tim S. Martin, 74, Maize,&nbsp;was eastbound on Kansas 96 just east of West Street in the westbound lane. The car struck a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Halie M&nbsp;Weese, 25, Hutchinson, and&nbsp; a 2013 Toyota Camry driven by William L&nbsp;Chesbro, 34,&nbsp;Alamogordo, New Mexico.&nbsp; A 2021 GMC Yukon driven by Dwayne C. Doyle, 39, Wichita, then&nbsp;T-boned the Honda.

Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. Weese, Chesbro and Doyle were not transported for treatment. Two children in the Yukon had minor injuries. Martin was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead in wrong-way, 4-vehicle crash

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a fire on Saturday in Kansas City.

Just after 5:30p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to an automatic alarm in the 3000 block of Benton Boulevard, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

On arrival crews discovered a water flow alarm was sounding and found an apartment with a sprinkler activation. Companies forced entry to the apartment and discovered the apartment full of smoke with an active sprinkler. The fire had been controlled by the sprinkler system. The occupant, an elderly woman was treated on scene and transported with burn injuries. 

The sprinkler system was secured and the smoke evacuated. No fire supression activities were needed by KCFD, the sprinkler system worked appropriately. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KCFD: Elderly woman hospitalized after apartment fire

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —A series of recent drug arrests lead to taking methamphetamine and fentanyl off the streets in southeast Kansas.

On January 7, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a maroon Mercury Grand Marquis at the intersection of 10th Street and Walnut Street in Independence, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies contacted the driver, identified as Breeanna Conrad of Independence, Kansas, and informed her of the reason for the stop. Deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, deputies located more than six (6) grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of cocaine, marijuana, multiple pills, and drug paraphernalia. 

Conrad was taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where she was booked on the following charges:• Distribution of methamphetamine• Possession of cocaine• Possession of marijuana• No proof of vehicle insurance• Improper emerging from an alley, private roadway, or building.

Later on January 3, 2026, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Saturn passenger vehicle at the exit ramp from U.S. 400 to U.S. 75 Highway, north of Sycamore, Kansas. The vehicle was occupied by three individuals. Deputies contacted the driver, identified as Heather Leach of Independence, Kansas, and informed her of the reason for the stop.

 Deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle.D uring the search, deputies located more than nine (9) grams of methamphetamine, more than six (6) grams of suspected carfentanil, pills, and drug paraphernalia. Leach, along with Tyler Norton and Noah Daniel, both of Independence, Kansas, were taken into custody.

All three were transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and booked on the following charges:Heather Leach• Distribution of fentanyl• Possession of methamphetamine• Possession of drug paraphernalia• Failure to stop or yield at a stop sign• No proof of vehicle insuranceTyler Norton• Distribution of fentanyl• Possession of methamphetamine• Possession of drug paraphernaliaNoah Daniel• Possession of methamphetamine• Possession of a depressant• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Sheriff: Carfentanil seized during Kansas drug bust

JOHNSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.

Deputies responded to the area of Edgerton Road and 167th Street&nbsp; following an iPhone crash notification and an additional 911 call reporting a vehicle in a ditch, according to the Johnson County Sheriff's office.

First responders located the vehicle with significant damage and one occupant, a driver later identified as 36-year-old Bailey Boswell of Meriden, unresponsive inside the vehicle. Johnson County MED-ACT responded and attempted life-saving measures.&nbsp; Boswell was pronounced deceased at 3:58 p.m.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at 913-715-5400.

Kansas woman dies after vehicle crash into a ditch

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man is going to prison for the murder of his mother at her Kansas home in 2023.

On Friday, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 24-year-old Devin Joel to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Last year, Joel pleaded guilty to first degree murder, kidnapping and robbery in the 2023 murder.

In May of 2023, police were dispatched to report of a&nbsp; clubbing in the area of 5700 E. Central in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located the victim identified 46-year-old Kacey Joel of Wichita, laying in the back yard of a residence with visible injuries.

Officers immediately rendered aid and she was transported to a local area hospital. She sustained significant trauma to her body and later died from her injuries, according to Gupilan.

Eyewitnesses reported that her son, 21-year-old Devin Joel, who lived in California at the time of the crime, was seen running from the scene. Officers quickly were able to locate him after a brief foot pursuit. He made comments that he was going to die by suicide by cop and was yielding a knife when officers confronted him.

 The officers were able to get him to put the knife down and he was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp;

Prison for killing his mother at her home in Kansas 

WASHINGTON (AP) —'Melania' the movie is set for a January 29, Kennedy Center debut.

Richard Grenell, president of the Kennedy Center, says a documentary film about first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;will make its premiere later this month, posting a trailer on X.

As the Trumps prepared to return to the White House last year, Amazon Prime Video announced a year ago that it had obtained exclusive licensing rights for a streaming and theatrical release directed by Brett Ratner.

Melania Trump also released&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-memoir-first-lady-0461dbb098a2218d41fbe7960c05a1a5">a self-titled memoir</a>&nbsp;in late 2024.

Some artists have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-center-new-years-eve-canceled-db4bc44f0d95cb40f794f2cb737562a3">canceled scheduled Kennedy Center performances</a>&nbsp;after a newly installed board voted to add President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-performing-arts-8b7159067174f3a0070b877c149ff0a7">to the facility</a>, prompting Grenell to accuse the performers of making their decisions because of politics.

🎥See the trailer: 'Melania’ movie set for Kennedy Center debut

Dr. Molly O’Shea has noticed growing skepticism about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccine-schedule-trump-rfk-hhs-9b8df9e2767c1261aaac4e2331e77fa3">vaccines</a>&nbsp;at both of her Michigan pediatric offices and says this week's unprecedented and confusing changes to federal vaccine guidance will only make things worse.

One of her offices is in a Democratic area, where more of the parents she sees are opting for alternative schedules that spread out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-childhood-vaccines-fact-check-17c0cb6f2f208f11b3474b96d1726945">shots</a>. The other is in a Republican area, where some parents have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-fluoride-kennedy-trump-science-antiscience-legislation-73af8e65f407331e8f31b2909812a004">stopped immunizing</a>&nbsp;their children altogether.

She and other doctors fear the new recommendations and the terminology around them will stoke vaccine hesitancy even more, pose challenges for pediatricians and parents that make it harder for kids to get shots, and ultimately lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-measles-polio-whooping-cough-rubella-af4cd1aef8f408a960601df6372f9c32">more illness and death</a>.

The biggest change was to stop blanket recommendations for protection against six diseases and recommend those vaccines only for at-risk children or through something called “shared clinical decision-making” with a health care provider.

The phrase, experts say, is confusing and dangerous: “It sends a message to a parent that actually there’s only a rarefied group of people who really need the vaccine,” O’Shea said. “It’s creating an environment that puts a sense of uncertainty about the value and necessity or importance of the vaccines in that category.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rfk-gold-standard-science-research-autism-6e4c6bc2534252ab1e7add0942043778">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, who helped lead the anti-vaccine movement for years, said in announcing the changes that they better align the U.S. with peer nations “while strengthening transparency and informed consent.”

But doctors say they are sowing doubt — the vaccines have been extensively studied and proven to be safe and effective at shielding kids from nasty diseases — at a time when childhood vaccination rates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccination-rates-cdc-kindergarten-0d261546a130dc256735d7b1ff8c6a5f">are already falling</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-flu-cases-cdc-subclade-k-29cc5a68eb100585c8e0dbd2ec47b3eb">some of those infectious diseases</a>&nbsp;are spreading.

On Friday, the American Academy of Pediatrics and more than 200 medical, public health and patient advocacy groups sent&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdownloads.aap.org%2FDOFA%2FChildhood%2520Vaccine%2520Schedule%2520Joint%2520Letter%2520Final.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clungar%40ap.org%7Ca1fb226ec30c4cdff05c08de4fc36b97%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639035898073595504%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=o8rZF2%2BTwKkMqKrfe0eboUu%2FPrvyzOuqOuUveQ9lD8o%3D&amp;reserved=0">a letter to Congress</a>&nbsp;about the new childhood immunization schedule.

“We urge you to investigate why the schedule was changed, why credible scientific evidence was ignored, and why the committee charged with advising the HHS Secretary on immunizations did not discuss the schedule changes as a part of their public meeting process," they wrote.

Many don't know what ’shared decision-making' means

O’Shea said she and other pediatricians discuss vaccines with parents at every visit where they are given. But that’s not necessarily “shared clinical decision-making,” which has a particular definition.

On its website, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices says: “Unlike routine, catch-up, and risk-based recommendations, shared clinical decision-making vaccinations are not recommended for everyone in a particular age group or everyone in an identifiable risk group. Rather, shared clinical decision-making recommendations are individually based and informed by a decision process between the health care provider and the patient or parent/guardian.”

In this context, health care providers include primary care physicians, specialists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and pharmacists.

A pair of surveys conducted last year by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania suggested that many people don’t fully understand the concept, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-cdc-kennedy-fd6ab0c7303a4a1698b319885a02ef54">came up last year</a>&nbsp;when the federal government changed recommendations around COVID-19 vaccinations.

Only about 2 in 10 U.S. adults knew that one meaning behind shared decision-making is that “taking the vaccine may not be a good idea for everyone but would benefit some.” And only about one-third realized pharmacists count as health care providers to talk with during the process, even though they frequently administer vaccines.

As of this week, vaccines that protect against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, RSV, flu and meningococcal disease are no longer universally recommended for kids. RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and meningococcal vaccines are recommended for certain high-risk populations; flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and meningococcal vaccines are recommended through shared decision-making — as is the COVID-19 vaccine, although that change was made last year.

Shortly after the federal announcement Monday, Dr. Steven Abelowitz heard from half a dozen parents. “It’s causing concern for us, but more importantly, concern for parents with kids, especially young kids, and confusion,” said Abelowitz, founder of Ocean Pediatrics in Orange County, California.

Though federal recommendations are not mandates — states have the authority to require vaccinations for schoolchildren — they can affect how easy it is for kids to get shots if doctors choose to follow them.

Under the new guidelines, O'Shea said, parents seeking shots in the shared decision-making category might no longer bring their kids in for a quick, vaccine-only appointment with staff. They'd sit down with a health care provider and discuss the vaccine. And it could be tougher to have a flu clinic, where parents drive up and kids get shots without seeing a doctor.

Still, doctors say they won’t let the changes stop them from helping children get the vaccines they need. Leading medical groups are sticking with prior vaccine recommendations. Many parents are, too.

Megan Landry, whose 4-year-old son Zackary is one of O’Shea’s patients, is among them.

“It’s my responsibility as a parent to protect my child’s health and well-being,” she said. “Vaccines are a really effective and well-studied way to do that.”

She plans to keep having the same conversations she’s always had with O’Shea before getting vaccines for Zackary.

“Relying on evidence and trusted medical guidance really helps me to make those decisions,” she said. “And for me, it’s not just a personal choice for my own son but a way to contribute to the health of everybody.”

But for other families, confidence about vaccines is waning as trust in science erodes. O'Shea lamented that parents are getting the message that they can't trust medical experts.

“If I take my car to the mechanic, I don’t go do my own research ahead of time," she said. “I go to a person I trust and I trust them to tell me what’s going on.”

Abelowitz, the California doctor, likened the latest federal move to pouring gasoline on a fire of mistrust that was already burning.

“We’re worried the fire’s out of control,” he said. “Already we’ve seen that with measles and pertussis, there are increased hospitalizations and even increasing deaths. So the way that I look at it — and my colleagues look at it — we’re basically regressing decades.”

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Doctors: Changes to US vaccine recommendations are confusing parents

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman is going to prison for a DUI crash that killed a teen.

&nbsp;On Friday Judge Quinton Pittman sentenced 43-year-old Trisha Greer of Derby to 42 months in prison for the DUI crash that&nbsp; killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio in May of 2024, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In October, Greer pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence before Judge Pittman. She originally pleading not guilty in June and was to face a jury trial.

Just after 11p.m. May 14, 2024, Greer was driving without headlights at 55th Street South and Hoover, according to Sheriff's Lt Nathan Gibbs. The vehicle struck and killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio who was standing with a group of people at the location.

Greer was booked into jail just after 1a.m. the following morning, according to online jail records.&nbsp; After her time in prison, Greer will have to spend three years on post-release supervision, according to the district attorney's office.

Prison for DUI crash that killed a Kansas teen

The Junction City Blue Jays wrestling team won the championship of the Shawnee Heights Tournament on Saturday. Colton Blockcolsky at 106 pounds and Cody Owens at 165 pounds captured first place in their weight classes.

Riley Luckenbill 113, Braden Blockolsky 120, Jayden Melton 126, Tyler Proetti 157 and Christian Simmers 190.

Kayun Herring 138,Blake Proetti 174, Chris Coy 215 and Avery Florence 285.

A fourth place finisher included Hudson Bohanan at 150 pounds.

Junction City finished with 197 points followed by Shawnee Heights 187.5, Olathe West 181 and Spring Hill 164.5 pointa

Blue Jays win a tournament championship

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Massamba Diop scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half, Moe Odum also scored 21 and Arizona State held off Kansas State 87-84 on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak and pick up its first Big 12 win this season.

Diop, a 7-foot-1 freshman, was 8-of-10 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked five shots. Anthony Johnson added 18 points, Santiago Trouet had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Allen Mukeba also scored 10 points for ASU (10-6, 1-2).

P.J. Haggerty, coming in seventh in the nation in scoring at 22.7 ppg, finished with 25 points, and Abdi Bashir Jr. made 6 of 12 3-point tries in finishing with 22 points for the Wildcats (9-7, 0-3), who lost their third straight.

Kansas State had a 64-58 lead midway through the second half but then went over five minutes without a field goal when ASU scored 10 straight points to begin a 18-3 run capped by Diop's dunk to lead 76-67 with less than five minutes left.

Khamari McGriff's follow with 16.6 seconds remaining got Kansas State within three. After a Johnson free throw, Haggerty banked in a long 3-pointer with five seconds remaining and the Wildcats were within a point. They quickly fouled Odum, who made both free throws. But coming out of a timeout, Haggerty was short on a half-court attempt.

ASU made only 3 of 22 3-point attempts while Kansas State hit 13 of 31. But ASU outscored the Wildcats 50-28 in the paint and made nine more free throws.

Kansas State is home against No. 25 UCF on Wednesday.

Arizona State is at top-ranked Arizona on Wednesday.

🏀 Diop and Odum lead Arizona State to win over Kansas State

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Honor Huff scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half, Brenen Lorient added 18 points and West Virginia used a big second-half run to defeat No. 22 Kansas 86-75 on Saturday.

The Mountaineers (11-5, 2-1 Big 12) beat the Jayhawks (11-5, 1-2) for the third straight time, improving to 8-4 in games played in Morgantown.

Treysen Eaglestaff scored 12 points and Harlan Obioha had 11 points and 10 rebounds for West Virginia.

Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 23 points, Tre White added 18 and Melvin Council Jr. had 11 for Kansas, which lost its second straight road game.

White’s 3-pointer gave Kansas its largest lead, 59-51, before West Virginia scored 16 unanswered points to move ahead to stay. Jasper Floyd, held scoreless until that point, had seven points during the run that put the Mountaineers ahead 67-59 with 8:36 left.

Kansas got no closer than six points the rest of the game. West Virginia made 11 of 12 free throws over the final two minutes.

The Jayhawks were outrebounded 38-32 for the game and shot just 31% (9 of 29) after halftime.

West Virginia entered the game with the nation’s fifth-best scoring defense, allowing 61.5 points per game. But Kansas scored 30 points in the paint in the first half alone.

The lead changed seven times over a three-minute span late in the first half before Peterson, who made just one of his first six shots, closed the first half strong. He scored seven points over the final four minutes, including a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer for a 43-39 lead.

Kansas hosts No. 3 Iowa State on Tuesday.

West Virginia plays three of its next four on the road, starting Tuesday at No. 7 Houston.

🏀 Huff and Lorient help West Virginia beat Kansas 

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Brayden Burries scored 28 points, Motiejus Krivas added a career-high 25 and No. 1 Arizona remained unbeaten with a 101-76 win over Kansas State on Wednesday night.

Arizona (15-0, 2-0 Big 12) is off to its best start since winning the first 21 games of the 2013-14 season. Arizona won by at least 18 points for the 10th consecutive game, matching a mark Michigan had earlier this season that tied for the longest such run since 2003-04.

Burries had his fifth 20-point game and matched his career high by going 12 for 16 from the field while adding nine rebounds. Krivas was 7 of 10, making 11 of 13 free throws, and had 12 rebounds.

Koa Peat had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Tobe Awaka added nine and 11 as Arizona outrebounded Kansas State 55-32. Arizona shot 49.3% from the field but was just 3 of 16 from 3-point range.

Kansas State (9-6, 0-2) went 8 for 36 from deep and shot 33.8% overall. PJ Haggerty led the way with 19 points on 8-of-20 shooting, while Nate Johnson added 15 and Dorin Buca 12.

Down 15 at the half, Kansas State pulled within 58-49 with 16:09 left on a 3-pointer by Johnson. Arizona responded with a 6-0 run and kept the margin at least 12 the rest of the way. Back-to-back dunks by Burries and Peat and a corner 3-pointer by Jaden Bradley keyed a 13-0 run to put Arizona ahead 92-65 with 3:31 remaining.

Arizona built a 10-point lead less than six minutes into the game and upped it to 20 with 2:52 left in the first half. Burries had 16 before halftime.

Kansas State plays at Arizona State on Saturday.

🏀 Arizona remains unbeaten with win over Kansas State

The Junction City High School boys and girls basketball teams were back in action Tuesday night following Christmas break. Both teams hosted the Washburn Rural Junior Blues at Junction City School. Washburn Rural got the sweep, winning both the girls and boys varsity games.&nbsp;

Girls recap - Washburn Rural 68, Junction City 32

The Washburn Rural Junior Blues jumped out to an early lead thanks to a stellar start from #3 Ella Hirschi, who connected on her first five three-pointers. Hirschi had 16 points in the first quarter, and Washburn Rural led 23-8 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Junior Blues extended their lead , but the highlight of the half came on the last shot of the half for JCHS. Junction City sophomore Laniyah Warmack stole the ball away from Rural, and passed it to fellow sophomore Isabel Pruitt who hit a right-wing three pointer at the buzzer to end the first half. At halftime, Washburn Rural led 45-17.&nbsp;

In the second half, Washburn Rural continued their strong performance and won the game 68-32.&nbsp;

 Junction City sophomore Aniyah Henry-Rivers had a really strong performance on both ends of the floor. Henry-Rivers scored 10 second-half points along with several blocks and rebounds. She finished the game with 15 points and was our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being our Blu Restaurant player of the game, Aniyah Henry-Rivers receives a free meal of up to $20. Blu Restaurant located at 602 N. Washington St. in Junction City).&nbsp;

Junction City (1-5) will now play at Derby in girls only action this Thursday.&nbsp;

Boys - Washburn Rural 50, Junction City 45

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