The Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony in Junction City on Monday will focus on youth involvement. A goal is to keep the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. before the youth.

Event Coordinator Daphne Maxwell pointed to a need to resurrect a loss of history for young people. "Some don't know who Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is, let alone what he stood for, the impact of his life and legacy, and freedoms they enjoy today."

With the youth-centered focus, the event will feature performances and presentations by local youth and serve as a day of learning, reflection, and historical enrichment. Students from the JAG program at Junction City High School will be among the participants.

The ceremony Monday begins at 10 a.m. at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

MLK Jr. Ceremony is set for Monday

&nbsp; Geary USD 475 will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

The District announced that students will also be off Tuesday, Jan. 20 since the district is having a professional development day.&nbsp; &nbsp;

USD 475 will be closed Monday 

K-State Research and Extension will host a series of regional Local Food Producer Workshops in February and March, offering farmers and small food businesses practical guidance on expanding their reach in local markets.

The annual workshops are held in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture &amp; Alternative Crops. They are designed to help producers learn more about selling through farmers markets, direct-to-consumer channels, and other local food market opportunities, while also providing a forum to connect with peers and share best practices.

According to organizers, the workshops focus on improving business success for local food producers by combining educational sessions with networking opportunities. Each workshop location will offer free scale certification and lunch. Select locations will also include training for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program; participants are encouraged to review the agenda for their chosen location to confirm available topics.

The workshops are organized through K-State Research and Extension, the statewide outreach arm of Kansas State University.

Additional details, including dates, locations, and agendas, are available online through K-State Research and Extension’s workshop page.

K-State Research and Extension to host local food producer workshops across Kansas

On Friday night inside the Blue Jay Event Center, Junction City High School hosted the Topeka Trojans in boys and girls action. Topeka swept the Blue Jays, winning big in the girls game and an overtime thriller in the boys game.

Girls recap – Topeka High 63, Junction City 29

Topeka High jumped out to an early lead and led 16–5 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, it was all T-High as well, as they extended their lead to 24 points, leading 35–11 at halftime. Junior Ahsieryrhuajh ("Shy") Rayton had 22 first-half points.

T-High continued to roll and went on to win the game 63–29. With the victory, Topeka earned its first win in Centennial League play and is 4-6 on the season. Junction City falls to 1-8 on the year.

For Junction City, the main highlight again was sophomore Aniyah Henry-Rivers. She finished the game with 17 points. *Aniyah Henry-Rivers was named the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. For being selected as Player of the Game, she receives a $20 free meal coupon from Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 North Washington Street.

Boys recap - Topeka High 72, Junction City 69 (OT)

In boys action, Topeka High got out to a quick start, as they led Junction City early by a score of 13–2. Coach Easton Burgardt burned an early timeout to get his team fired up. The Trojans then led 18–7 at the end of the first quarter after a sluggish start from Junction City.

The Trojans expanded that lead to 27–11, leading by 16, which was their largest lead of the game. Junction City junior Trevon Briley then pulled down a big defensive rebound and scored on the offensive end, followed by another takeaway to spark the Blue Jays on both ends of the floor. Junction City ended the half on a 20–5 run and trailed the Trojans 32–31 at halftime.

Junction City started the second half with the ball and scored on the opening possession to take a 33–32 lead, completing the comeback. Topeka High quickly responded, as the Trojans went on a big run of their own and led 55–45 at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, much like the second quarter, the Junction City Blue Jays responded and came back once more. They trailed by 13 points but ultimately tied the game late and then led 60–59 with under a minute to go. The Blue Jays had a chance to win it in regulation, but a straightaway three-pointer by Khaliel Walker was no good, sending the game to overtime.

In overtime, the Blue Jays fell behind but had a chance to tie the game with two free throws by senior Lovell Autry. He made one of two, and Junction City trailed by one with less than 10 seconds to go. The Blue Jays then fouled and Topeka hit both free throws. JC had a chance to tie it late, but Autry’s three-pointer was off the mark, and Topeka High won the game in overtime, 72–69. Autry finished the game with a career high 29 points.

The Blue Jays fall to 0–3 in Centennial League play and 5–5 overall. *Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game tonight was Brody Boeckman, who finished with 15 points. For being our Player of the Game, Boeckman receives a $20 free meal coupon from Blu Restaurant of Junction City, located at 602 North Washington Street.

Next up for Junction City, the Blue Jays will play three games in the Spring Hill Invitational Tournament on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Topeka High sweeps Junction City on Friday night in the Blue Jay Event Center

Centennial League play continues Friday night at Junction City High School. The Blue Jays and Lady Jays host the Topeka High Trojans. You can hear both games live on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

Girls tip-off at 6:00 p.m. - You can listen live on the radio or watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/au_9mZyAMYc?si=9xxqptWSaMYoeAkk">livestream provided by BlueJayMedia by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

Boys tip-off around 7:30 p.m. - You can listen live on the radio or watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Jb7-7i18tBA?si=qrL3a6ocLZctZPei">livestream provided by BlueJayMedia by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

🏀WATCH/LISTEN LIVE: Junction City hosts Topeka Trojans

RILEY COUNTY— An elementary school was briefly evacuated on Friday due a fire.

Just before noon Friday, crews responded to a small fire at Marlatt Elementary School,&nbsp;2715 Hobbs Drive in Manhattan, according to a social media report from the Manhattan Fire Department.. Before 1p.m. the fire was extinguished and students&nbsp; allowed back into the building. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; The fire department has not released details on what cause the fire ore additional information.

Manhattan elementary school evacuated due to fire

There will be no trash/garbage pick-up by the City of Junction City on Monday, January 19th due to the Martin Luther King Holiday.

However, trash/garbage pick-up will be picked up the next workday as follows:

Monday’s pickup day will be Tuesday, January 20th

Tuesday’s pickup day will be Wednesday, January 21st

Wednesday’s pickup day will be Thursday, January 22nd

Thursday’s pickup day will be Friday, January 23rd

Friday’s pickup day will be Saturday, January 24th

City sanitation schedule

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Leslie Grant with Wichita State University's Community Education program to discuss their free lifelong learning program.

For more details go to the web site Wichita.edu/lifelonglearning&nbsp; &nbsp;Or call the office 316-978-3731

🎙 Forward Ever: Leslie Grant with WSU's Community Education Program

TOPEKA, Kan. – 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,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David 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,-2026/1/0101019b9e563bde-3582bec5-c4b5-4a92-b26a-425ebfb89d80-000000/AcS4yBb1tab0tbPVNUe0q3N2geF3QYIdyaodDh0okxU=439">here</a>.

State to hold first virtual job fair of the year

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 6p.m. Thursday, police arrested 21-year-old Jessica Urbina of Manhattan, in the 300 block of Twelfth Street in Ogden on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation. 

This arrest stems from original charges of possession of fentanyl, hydrocodone/drug paraphernalia. Urbina was issued a total bond of $15,000 and remains confined in the Riley County Jail at the time of this report.

Manhattan woman accused of fentanyl possession

Geary County offices will be closed Monday due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. So the Geary County Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Couny Office Building.

The governing body holds one night meeting each month.

--6:15-6:20 Garry Berges, Emergency Management Director, Approve and signing of the Fireman Relief Association document

--6:20-6:30 Crystal Malchose, Human Resources Director, Weekly Update

--6:30-7:00 Executive Session, Non-elected personnel / dept head evaluation

--7:00-7:30 Jeremie Myers, Public Works Administrator, Bi-Weekly Report

--7:30-8:00 Charles Martinez, Health Department Director, Monthly Report

County Commission will meet Tuesday night

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of killing his estranged wife is going to prison.

This week, 34-year-old Miguel Flores was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for at least 25-year-old, according to the Wyandotte County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

The sentence follows his conviction of first degree murder in the shooting death of his wife 23-year-old Loren Flores on November 21, 2022.

Detectives reported the couple were married, but in the process of a divorce when he shot her outside a residence.

Flores then fled the scene, but was taken into custody a short time later by police.&nbsp;

Kansas man going to prison for killing his wife

KANSAS CITY– A member of the Los Valerosos Motorcycle Gang, a support club for the Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of rival motorcycle club, according to the United State's Attorneyh.

Graham S. Gattis, also known as “Dro,” 41, of East Ridge, Tn., pleaded guilty this week to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

On Sept. 17, 2022, Gattis and other members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo.&nbsp; Various members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.&nbsp; Gattis and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg.

Under federal statutes, Gattis is subject to a sentence of not less than five years and up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI,&nbsp;<a></a>the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.&nbsp;

Biker gang member admits KC area armed assault against rival

LYON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Lyon County.

The Lyon County Sheriff's office reported a John Deere tractor driven by 78-year-old Kenneth DeDonder of Reading was eastbound in the 1700 Block of of Road 270 in rural Lyon County. The tractor struck a guardrail and overturned.

First responders&nbsp;located DeDonder still in the cab of the tractor. Emporia EMS was able to extricate him from the cab of the tractor. EMS and LifeSave personnel provided care for him. However, he was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in farm tractor accident

NUUK, Greenland (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would charge a 10% import tax starting in February on goods from eight European nations because of their opposition to American control of Greenland.

Trump said in a social media post that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face the tariff and that it would climb to 25% on June 1 if a deal is not in place for “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” by the United States.

The threat of tariffs was a drastic and potentially dangerous escalation of a showdown between Trump and NATO allies, further straining an alliance that dates to 1949 and provides a collective degree of security to Europe and North America. The Republican president has repeatedly tried to use trade penalties to bend allies and rivals alike to his will, generating investment commitments from some nations and pushback from others such as China, Brazil and India.

It was unclear how Trump could impose the tariffs under U.S. law, though he could cite economic emergency powers that are currently subject to a U.S. Supreme Court challenge.

Trump said in his Truth Social post that his tariffs were retaliation for recent trips to Greenland by representatives from Britain, the Netherlands and Finland and for general opposition to his efforts to purchase the semiautonomous territory of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-greenland-trump-denmark-threat-annex-4907c132b499531d8d5fe6cd549c0beb">NATO ally</a>&nbsp;Denmark. He has Greenland is essential for the “Golden Dome” missile defense system for the U.S., and has argued that Russia and China might try to take over the island.

Resistance has steadily built in Europe to Trump's ambitions, even as several countries on the continent agreed to his 15% tariffs last year in order to preserve an economic and security relationship with Washington.

Earlier Saturday, hundreds of people in Greenland's capital braved near-freezing temperatures, rain and icy streets to march in a rally in support of their own self-governance.

The Greenlanders waved their red-and-white national flags and listened to traditional songs as they walked through Nuuk's small downtown. Some carried signs with messages like “We shape our future,” “Greenland is not for sale” and “Greenland is already GREAT.” They were joined by thousands of others in rallies across the Danish kingdom.

The rallies occurred hours after a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation in Copenhagen sought to reassure Denmark and Greenland of their support.

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/no-such-thing-as-a-better-colonizer-inuit-council-leader-rejects-us-imperialism-over-greenland-12d022b1b63748c2a0587fc132846829">current rhetoric around Greenland</a>&nbsp;was causing concern across the Danish kingdom and that he wanted to de-escalate the situation.

“I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people,” he said in Copenhagen, adding that the U.S. has respect for Denmark and NATO “for all we’ve done together.”

Danish Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen, leader of the Joint Arctic Command, told The Associated Press that Denmark doesn't expect the U.S. military to attack Greenland, or any other NATO ally, and that European troops were recently deployed to Nuuk for Arctic defense training.

He said that the goal isn’t to send a message to the Trump administration, even through the White House hasn’t ruled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-us-options-takeover-trump-denmark-86790903847fc8ffc27334ccb64985a9">taking the territory by force</a>.

“I will not go into the political part, but I will say that I would never expect a NATO country to attack another NATO country,” he told the AP on Saturday aboard a Danish military vessel docked in Nuuk. “For us, for me, it’s not about signaling. It is actually about training military units, working together with allies.”

The Danish military organized a planning meeting Friday in Greenland with NATO allies, including the U.S., to discuss Arctic security on the alliance’s northern flank in the face of a potential Russian threat. The Americans were also invited to participate in Operation Arctic Endurance in Greenland in the coming days, Andersen said.

In his 2½ years as a commander in Greenland, Andersen said that he hasn't seen any Chinese or Russian combat vessels or warships, despite Trump saying that they were off the island's coast.

But in the unlikely event of American troops using force on Danish soil, Andersen confirmed a Cold War-era law governing Danish rules of engagement.

“But you are right that it is Danish law that a Danish soldier, if attacked, has the obligation to fight back,” he said.

Thousands of people marched through Copenhagen, many of them carrying Greenland’s flag. Others held signs with slogans like “Make America Smart Again” and “Hands Off.”

“This is important for the whole world,” Danish protester Elise Riechie told the AP as she held Danish and Greenlandic flags. “There are many small countries. None of them are for sale.”

Trump has sought to justify his calls for a U.S. takeover by repeatedly saying that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals.

“There are no current security threats to Greenland,” Coons said.

Trump has insisted for months that the U.S. should control Greenland, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in U.S. hands would be “unacceptable.”

During an unrelated event at the White House about rural health care, he recounted Friday how he had threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals.

“I may do that for Greenland, too,” Trump said.

He had not previously mentioned using tariffs to try to force the issue.

Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met in Washington with Trump's vice president, JD Vance, and secretary of state, Marco Rubio.

That encounter didn’t resolve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-cc278af4f3daf725029101966ba03568">the deep differences</a>, but did produce an agreement to set up a working group — on whose purpose Denmark and the White House then offered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-b10f5151008f1f18a788dc0751473c0e">sharply diverging public views</a>.

European leaders have said that it's only for Denmark and Greenland to decide on matters concerning the territory, and Denmark said this week that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland in cooperation with allies.

“There is almost no better ally to the United States than Denmark,” Coons said. “If we do things that cause Danes to question whether we can be counted on as a NATO ally, why would any other country seek to be our ally or believe in our representations?”

Niemann reported from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Boak from West Palm Beach, Fla. Associated Press writer Stefanie Dazio in Berlin contributed to this report.

Trump slaps tariffs against European countries in bid for Greenland

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —One person died in accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Montgomery County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp;Hinman, Dakota Ray&nbsp;Hinman, 34, Parsons, was westbound on&nbsp;County Road 2800. The driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic at U.S. 169. A northbound 2025 Freightliner semi driven by Said&nbsp;Bouchelarm, 43, Lenexa, struck the pickup on the driver's side.

Hinman was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Bouchelarm was not transported for treatment.&nbsp; Hinman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after semi, pickup crash

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alex-veiga">ALEX VEIGA</a> Associated Press

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate is now down to its lowest level in more than three years.

The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate eased to 6.06% this week, down from 6.16% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate averaged 7.04%.

The last time the average rate was lower was Sept. 15, 2022, when it was at 6.02%.

Meanwhile, borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell this week, dropping to 5.38% from 5.46% last week. A year ago, that average rate was at 6.27%, Freddie Mac said.

Lower mortgage rates boost homebuyers’ purchasing power, good news for home shoppers at a time when the housing market remains in a deep slump after years of soaring prices and elevated mortgage rates have shut out many aspiring homeowners.

Uncertainty over the economy and job market are also keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines.

Mortgage rates began easing in July in anticipation of a series of Fed rate cuts, which began in September and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cut-inflation-jobs-e689e1397856aa24ffebdaaefa9762a2">continued last month</a>.

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but when it cuts its short-term rate that can signal lower inflation or slower economic growth ahead, which can drive investors to buy U.S. government bonds. That can help lower yields on long-term U.S. Treasurys, which can result in lower mortgage rates.

The pullback in mortgage rates helped drive sales of previously occupied U.S. homes higher on a monthly basis the last four months of 2025. Even so,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-d14d4f80bb90d6031292d1f0c377d708">home sales remained stuck at a 30-year low last year,</a>&nbsp;extending the housing market’s slump into its fourth year.

Lower mortgage rates have been helpful for home shoppers who can afford to buy at current rates. The median U.S. monthly housing payment fell to $2,413 in the four weeks ending Jan. 11, according to Redfin. That’s a 5.5% drop from the same period a year earlier and near the lowest level in two years.

The latest drop in rates comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-housing-mortgage-rates-79294cf8eac1579b17430b4cd0708fcd">President Donald Trump announced last week</a>&nbsp;that the federal government would buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds in a bid to reduce mortgage rates.

Lower rates spurred a sharp increase in homeowners seeking to refinance their existing home loan to a lower rate last fall, a trend that has continued into this year.

Applications for mortgage refinancing loans soared 40% last week from the previous week and accounted for 60% of all home loan applications, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Applications for loans to buy a home climbed 16%.

“With mortgage rates much lower than a year ago and edging closer to 6%, MBA expects strong interest from homeowners seeking a refinance and would-be buyers stepping off the sidelines,” said MBA CEO Bob Broeksmit.

Economists generally expect mortgage rates to ease further this year, though most recent forecasts show the average rate on a 30-year mortgage remaining above 6%, about twice what it was six years ago.

Still, rates would have to drop considerably for homeowners, who bought or refinanced when mortgage rates hit rock bottom earlier this decade, to take on a new loan at a far higher rate.

Nearly 69% of U.S. homes with an outstanding mortgage have a fixed-rate of 5% or lower, and slightly more than half have a rate at or below 4%, according to Realtor.com.

Average US long-term mortgage rate hits lowest point in more than 3 years

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The city of Wichita took the unprecedented action Friday to address social media statements involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Wichita Police.

On the city's social media page, they wrote, they are aware of circulating posts that claim Mayor Lily Wu directed the Wichita Police to work alongside ICE. 

<a href="https://www.wichita.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31832/Policy-514--Arrest-And-Detention-of-Foreign-Nationals-PDF?fbclid=IwY2xjawPYjvRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKWURCWGVvamNQNzUyRGFkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjOuuW0ENB3dOVjGJWJJOdrhrZHh6XzsQupwxLVexmvcCpPbt_bk7Leu343i_aem_wiV7GHQkO5g_hcN9M1wLAw">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;Wichita Police policy on the arrest and detention of foreign nationals.

1. The Mayor of Wichita does not have the administrative power to direct any City department. 

City dispels misinformation concerning Wichita police, ICE

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence have two suspects in custody.

Just after 2a.m. Saturday, police were called to a reported shooting at the Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street in Lawrence, according to an online report from Lawrence Police.

First responders found two victims with gunshot wounds and several potential witnesses who told officers the suspects took off. While officers on scene tended to the victims, others flooded the surrounding area.  Soon after, officers found a group of people matching the suspects’ descriptions walking just blocks away. 

They were taken to the Lawrence Police Department to be questioned by detectives. Through the course of the investigation, probable cause was developed to suggest requesting charges on one suspect for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated assault and requesting charges on a second suspect of felony murder and aggravated assault. 

Both were booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility.

An 18-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second victim, a 16-year-old boy, was taken to an area trauma center where he remains in critical condition.&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police are investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence. 

The shooting occurred at approximately 2a.m. Saturday at the Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street, according to a statement from Lawrence police.

 One person is confirmed deceased and another is in critical condition at an area trauma center. Police secured the scene and detectives were questioning those involved.

Arrest made in fatal shooting at popular bar near KU campus

USD 465 is celebrating an extraordinary act of generosity that is making a meaningful difference for students and families across the district. During the January 12 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Tricia Reiser shared the exciting news that the district received an unexpected donation totaling $15,432.00, which fully eliminated outstanding debt for unpaid student lunches.

“This generous gift directly supports our families and ensures that students can focus on learning without the burden of meal debt,” said Reiser. “We are incredibly grateful.”

According to Elizabeth Smith, USD 465 Business Manager and Board of Education Treasurer, families will now see negative balances removed from their school meal accounts. Every student in our district will start off the spring semester with a clean slate for their lunch accounts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This donation is truly a blessing,” Smith said. “We thank and bless the person who chose to help our students and families in such a meaningful way.” Smith states, “Every student in the district regardless of whether or not they have a negative balance has the opportunity to be provided a meal; possibly an alternative meal depending on the grade level.&nbsp; We want to ensure every student is fed.”

This year, 1,136 USD 465 students qualify for free or reduced meals, based on family income. This represents more than half of the district’s total enrollment. The donation specifically impacts approximately 450 students who were carrying meal debt. In some cases, the debt may have accrued prior to a student qualifying for free or reduced meals.

Parents are encouraged to apply for free/reduced price meals.&nbsp; KSDE's guidelines to qualify for a family of 5 for free meals are families that earn less than $48,945 and to qualify for reduced less than $69,653.&nbsp; Each additional person in the household adds $7,150 to the earnings to qualify for free and $10,175 to qualify for reduced. USD 465 encourages families to remember that if their financial situation changes at any point during the school year, they may apply or reapply for free or reduced price meal benefits at that time. Applications and assistance are available through the District Office.

USD 465 extends its heartfelt gratitude to the anonymous donor for their compassion and commitment to supporting students and families in the Winfield community.

Anonymous donor pays off Kan. district's school-lunch debt 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday night in east Wichita during a reported home invasion robbery.

At 7:30 p.m., officers assigned to Patrol East heard several gunshots and then received a Gunshot Detection System (GSD) alert in the 5300 block of E. Funston, according to a media release from Wichita Police. Officers arrived before 911 calls came in.

When officers arrived, they found a 22-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers began life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived. EMS transported the man to a local hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition.

“ Our officers heard the gunshots, and our Gunshot Detection System immediately pinpointed the area before the first 911 calls came in. That combination helped us get to the exact location fast, start medical aid right away, and get EMS there quickly. It potentially saved the suspect’s life. And it also allowed us to secure the scene, take the suspect into custody, and move this case forward. Technology like this continues to strengthen our ability to respond quickly and protect our community.”&nbsp;

Three people, later determined to be victims, were detained for interviews. After speaking with investigators, all three were released.

Detectives learned a 21-year-old Wichita woman was inside her home in the 5300 block of E. Funston when three armed suspects kicked in the door and robbed her.

During the incident, her boyfriend, a 23-year-old Wichita man, arrived with a 22-year-old friend.

As the boyfriend approached the home, one suspect exited through the front door, pointed a gun at him, and ordered him to get on the ground. A struggle over the firearm followed. As the 22-year-old friend got out of the vehicle, an exchange of gunfire occurred, and the 22-year-old suspect was shot. The other two suspects fled the scene and remain at large.

The suspect who was shot remains in police custody at the hospital. Once released, he will be booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated assault. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.

Kan. home invasion robbery suspect wounded in gunfight

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 26 points on 11-of-13 shooting, Flory Bidunga had 23 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, and Kansas beat Baylor 80-62 on Friday night.

Kansas led by 15 points after opening the game on a 19-4 run, but the Bears rallied behind an 8-0 run to take their first lead at 37-36. The Jayhawks scored the final seven points of the half, capped by a stepback jumper by Peterson, who had 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting.

Bidunga threw down an alley-oop dunk while being fouled and he made the free throw to cap Kansas’ 15-3 run to begin the second half for a 58-40 lead. Baylor began the second half by making just 1 for 6 shots — after missing its final four field goals of the first half.

Kansas led by at least 14 points the rest of the way.

Peterson, averaging a team-high 21.8 points per game, has six games of 20 or more points for Kansas (13-5, 3-2 Big 12), which was coming off an 84-63 win against No. 2 Iowa State on Tuesday. The Jayhawks have shot above 50% from the field the past two games.

Cameron Carr led Baylor (11-6, 1-4) with 24 points and five 3-pointers. Tounde Yessoufou added three of Baylor's 11 3-pointers and 20 points.

It marked the first time since Dec. 10, 1966, that the two teams met while both were unranked in the AP poll.

The Jayhawks lead the all-time series with Baylor, 37-11, including 21-1 at Allen Fieldhouse

Baylor: Returns home to play No. 15 Texas Tech on Tuesday.

Kansas: Goes on the road to face Colorado on Tuesday.

🏀 Peterson scores 26, Bidunga adds a double-double as KU tops Baylor

On Thursday night in Junction City, the Blue Jays defeated St. James Academy, the No. 6-ranked team in Class 5A, by a final score of 59–52.

St. James Academy opened the scoring with a three-pointer, but the Blue Jays responded quickly with a three of their own from junior Khaliel Walker. Junction City and the Thunder traded baskets throughout the first quarter, with junior big man Trevon Briley leading JC with eight points. The first quarter ended on a highlight for JC, as junior Brody Boeckman threw down a two-handed dunk. The Blue Jays led 18–17 at the end of the first quarter.

Junction City carried that momentum into the second quarter, extending its lead to 10 points at 31–21. The Blue Jays took a 33–25 advantage into halftime after senior point guard Lovell Autry scored on a layup right at the buzzer.

The Blue Jays opened the third quarter strong with back-to-back baskets from Boeckman, who scored on a layup and then knocked down a corner three-pointer in front of the Junction City student section. That surge gave Junction City a 13-point lead, and the Blue Jays later stretched it to their largest lead of the night at 44–30. Junction City led 46–35 heading into the fourth quarter.

In the final quarter, the Blue Jays again extended the lead to 14, but St. James Academy refused to go away. The Thunder cut the deficit to seven points with under a minute remaining. However, Junction City held on, as Autry knocked down two clutch free throws down the stretch to secure the 59–52 victory.

With the win, Junction City improves to 5–4 on the season, while St. James Academy falls to 7–3.

Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was junior big man Trevon Briley, who scored eight points in the first quarter. As Player of the Game, Briley receives a $20 meal coupon from Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 North Washington Street.

The Blue Jays are back in action Friday night, hosting Topeka High. The girls tip off at 6 p.m., with the boys game to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Blue Jays beat St. James Academy in boys only action on Thursday

Junction City Blue Jays hosting St. James Academy in boys only action tonight.&nbsp;

Junction City (4-4) - St. James Academy (7-2).&nbsp;Tip-off at 6:00 p.m. 

Listen to the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.&nbsp;

You can watch the livestream by BlueJayMedia <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f3XAXzDV4w">by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

🏀WATCH/LISTEN LIVE - Junction City hosts St. James Academy in boys only action

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Riley Kugel scored 19 points, Jamichael Stillwell added 18, and UCF weathered Kansas State's comeback bid to win 82-73 on Wednesday night.

The Knights (14-2, 3-1 Big 12) shot 53% from the field and 47% from beyond the arc. Themus Fulks had 13 points (6-for-11 shooting) and dished 12 assists for his fifth game with 10 or more assists this season. Devan Cambridge chipped in with 11 points on perfect 4-for-4 shooting.

UCF narrowly won the rebound battle, 35-34, paced by seven rebounds each from Kugel and Stillwell.

A 20-6 run near the midway point of the first half put UCF up by double-figures, and they led 42-28 at halftime.

K-State cut the lead to one point in the second half, but could not pull ahead in the frame. Their last lead came with 15:24 remaining in the first.

PJ Haggerty scored 23 points (9-for-18 shooting) for the Wildcats (9-8, 0-4), and Khamari McGriff added 15 points. Nate Johnson racked up 10 assists. K-State struggled from beyond the arc, converting on just six of their 30 3-point attempts.

UCF won their second straight game, after their 11-game winning streak was snapped by Oklahoma State on Jan. 6. Kansas State has dropped four straight contests after winning four straight to end their non-conference schedule.

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