Crystal Malchose was also honored by the Kansas County Human Resource Association and the Kansas Association of Counties.&nbsp;

Geary County HR Professional Crystal Malchose is honored

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator&nbsp;Jerry&nbsp;Moran&nbsp;(R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation – directed more than $26 million in federal investments to repairs and safety improvements at regional airports in Kansas.

This funding was included in the five-bill appropriations package approved by Congress and signed into law by the President yesterday.“Our regional airports are critical to connecting rural communities and supporting regional economies across our state,”&nbsp;said Sen.&nbsp;Moran.&nbsp;“These resources will allow for much-needed infrastructure improvements to bolster aviation safety and support Kansans’ aviation needs for years to come.”Federal investments secured for Kansas airports:

Sen. Moran Directs Federal Resources to Kansas Airports in Appropriations Package

Kansas City, Mo. - February 5, 2026 – Evergy is warning customers to be vigilant after a new text scam.

Scammers are sending fake text messages to Evergy customers claiming the customer has overpaid their bill and is due for a refund. The scammer then asks customers to go to a fake website that appears to be from Evergy and enter personal financial information.

This is a scam and the text and website are not from Evergy.&nbsp;If customers receive a text like this, they should:

Fake texts are just&nbsp;<a>one way</a>&nbsp;scammers are becoming more deceptive. Scammers frequently try to get personal and financial information like credit card, debit card, Social Security, Evergy account number, checking or savings account numbers using methods like texts, calls, websites and even in person. Here are some signs of common scams and ways consumers can protect themselves:

Evergy urges customers to watch out for text scams

USD 475 has released a list of upcoming commuity events this year.

They include the 2026 State of Education Celeration Thursday April 23 at&nbsp; 5:30 p.m. the Junction City High School Auditorium, Early Childood Center ribbon cutting Friday May 8 at 11 a.m., Junction City High School commencement Sunday May 17 at 3 p.m. and the Back to School carnival Thursday, Aug. 6 from 6-8 p.m.

USD 475 Community events

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (Feb. 5, 2026) – Stormont Vail Health invites community members to join Walk With An APP, a free event designed to encourage movement, connection, and meaningful conversations about healthy living. • 

This will be on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Old Junction City High School Football Field (900 N. Eisenhower Dr.)&nbsp; If temps fall below 32°F, meet at JC Municipal Building (700 N. Jefferson St.) 

This month’s walk will feature Christina Guhr, APRN, Weight Management Specialist at Stormont Vail Manhattan Campus. Christina will share facts on what really affects weight, how to build habits that stick, and tips to help overcome an overwhelming topic. All ages and activity levels are welcome. 

Stormont Vail encourages participants to bring a friend, water, and plenty of questions.&nbsp;

Christina Guhr, APRN, Helps Turn Overwhelming into Overcoming: Next Walk With An APP 

The Riley County Police Department has received multiple calls regarding possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Manhattan area on Thursday morning, according to a social media statement from police.

The Riley County Police Department confirms there were operations that were conducted. RCPD was not involved in these operations. 

The RCPD advised the public to refer all questions to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

RCPD issues statement on ICE operations in Manhattan

Four Junction City High School Blue Jay football players signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI) on Wednesday afternoon at Junction City High School. Each athlete has now committed and signed to play college football this coming fall.

Jackson Hollie – Kansas State University, Manhattan


Jamarcus Tyson – William Jewell University, Liberty, Missouri


J’Sean Green – Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina


Kingston Timms – Butler Community College, El Dorado

Junction City High School head football coach Randall Zimmerman spoke about the four student-athletes before they signed. “These are great kids that have been raised the right way,” Coach Zimmerman said. “They are tremendous leaders in our community.”

Several students from Junction City High School were in attendance, including many football players from this year’s JCHS team. Zimmerman addressed the younger athletes in attendance, encouraging them to follow the examples set by the four signees. “These are great examples for you younger guys to follow,” Zimmerman said. “Watch them in the classroom, watch them in the hallways, watch them in the weight room, and watch how they go about their everyday lives. Then mimic it. If you do that, you’ll be in great shape.” *In the 2025 football season, Junction City went 7-3 and won the Centennial League.&nbsp;

Many family members and friends were in attendance at the Signing Day ceremony. Each player thanked their family, coaches, and the Junction City community for supporting them from the beginning.

Following each player signing their National Letter of Intent, family members were called to the stage to take photos with their student-athletes. Below are more photos from the Signing Day ceremony.

Four Junction City High School Football Players sign National Letter of Intent to play College Football

Topeka, Kan. -&nbsp;The Kansas Recreation and Parks Association recognized Joe Minick of Abilene with the Distinguished Volunteer Award during its annual awards luncheon in Topeka.At 90 years young, Minick is widely regarded as one of Kansas’ most impactful volunteers, quietly shaping some of the state’s most beloved recreation and tourism assets through decades of hands-on service, mechanical skill, and community leadership.

A diesel and automotive mechanic by trade, Minick has been instrumental in launching and sustaining the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, now one of Kansas’ top heritage attractions. From engineering and maintenance to the massive restoration of the Santa Fe 3415 steam locomotive, Minick played a central role in transforming a dormant relic into a working engine that continues to delight riders from across the country.

His impact extends well beyond the rails. Minick helped bring the Hoffman Grist Mill in Enterprise to life as a working 1880s-style flour mill, restored the C.W. Parker Carousel steam engine, relocated and preserved the historic Volkman log cabin at the Dickinson County Heritage Center, and assisted with the recovery and restoration of the Steamboat Arabia steam engine, now displayed at the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City.When communities across Kansas sought outdoor recreation opportunities during the pandemic, Minick once again stepped forward. As trail development costs soared, he helped create the Iron Horse Trail, a five-mile rail-trail completed for just $200,000. Today, it stands as the only rails-with-trails project in the Midwest and a model for community-driven recreation development.

Minick’s service also includes decades of volunteer leadership. He is a longtime board member of the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, a former Volunteer of the Year with the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce, a recipient of Kansas Tourism’s Kansas’ Finest recognition, the Community Foundation of Dickinson County’s Quiet Hero award, and a past board member of the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Behind the scenes, he has also worked with youth completing court-mandated community service hours, offering guidance, purpose, and encouragement along the way.

“Joe Minick is proof that one person can make a lasting difference,” said representatives of the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association. “His work has strengthened communities, preserved Kansas history, and created places where people come together to learn, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.”

The Distinguished Volunteer Award honors individuals whose dedication has advanced recreation, parks, and quality of life across Kansas. For Minick, the recognition reflects a lifetime of service grounded in action, humility, and an enduring belief in community. about&nbsp;

 Kansas Recreation and Parks Association Honors Joe Minick with Distinguished Volunteer Award

&nbsp;--Portrait of a Graduate was highlighted at the USD 475 Board of Education meeting. Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools, shared his 2026 Portrait of a Graduate presentation with board members. The Portrait of a Graduate is a shared community vision that defines the knowledge and skills a USD 475 student needs to thrive in college, career and life. 

--The Board approved a new position for a part-time early childhood speech para for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year. 

The BOE agreed to send a proposed Memorandum of Agreement to the City of Milford for consideration. The Agreement would be a cooperative arrangement between the district and the City of Milford where the city would provide certain municipal services to support the operations of Milford Elementary. 

&nbsp;The Board of Education has previously requested that the district look into other options to manage USD 475’s school food service program. On Monday night, the USD 475 Board of Education approved to move forward with a request for proposal to manage the district’s school food service program. 

The Board of Education discussed a therapy dog policy on Monday night. The purpose of the policy is to establish a board-authorized requirements for the use of therapy dogs in district schools and programs, ensuring student safety, staff accountability and compliance with applicable state and federal law. This topic will be brought back to the boa

USD 475 Board of Education Report

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club will have a fundraiser on Monday, February 9 at JC's BBQ &amp; Grill from 11:00 AM until close.&nbsp; 10% of all purchases and donations received will be used to support the club's work in the community.&nbsp; 

The Optimists donate to 15 different youth organizations; The Magdalene Project; offer three scholarships to high school students and support a Junior Optimist Club at each Junction City High School and St. Xavier's Catholic Schools.&nbsp; To date the club has also donated $1,000 to "Project Lift The Burden" to help with unpaid balances for student's breakfasts and lunches in USD 475.&nbsp;

Optimist Club will host a fundraiser

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.

Ericka Powell, Failure to appear, arrested 02/03

Solrelys Calcano-Carrasquillo, Failure to appear, arrested 02/03

Michael Hyster, Cruelty to animals (Failure to provide food/water/shelter); Interference with LEO, Falsely report a crime - intending action on information, arrested 02/03

Lamont Ray, DUI-Liquor/Drugs (2nd offense), arrested 02/04

Geary County Booking Photos Feb. 4, 2026

KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced multiple felony charges against a Kansas City man in connection with a shooting that killed one and injured another at a fast-food restaurant.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2804/Watson-Joseph-PC--Complaint">Joseph H. Watson</a>, 22,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Felony Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one count of 1st Degree Assault.

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a restaurant on a reported shooting on Jan. 31, and located the first victim in the parking lot, suffering from a gunshot wound to his face. He was transported to a nearby hospital and is in stable condition. Officers located the second victim unresponsive on the floor inside the restaurant and was declared deceased.&nbsp;

Based on surveillance video from inside the restaurant, the first victim left his backpack on a table to speak with an employee at the counter. Watson, dressed in a red hood and black coat, and another unknown individual arrived at the restaurant and sat down at a table next to the first victim’s items. 

The first victim went back to his table and appeared to be looking for something and then asked an employee to call his phone. Shortly after, Watson started arguing with the first victim and appeared to be clutching something in his coat. Watson walked past the first victim, hit him in the face, and pulled out a rifle, pointing it at the first victim.&nbsp;

Watson then brought the gun down and started walking out of the restaurant. The first victim continued to yell at Watson and approached him. Watson spit on the first victim, who spit back at him. The defendant fired one shot, striking the first victim in the cheek. The bullet traveled through the first victim’s cheek and struck the second victim, who was standing at the counter.&nbsp;

Detectives connected Watson to the crime scene through surveillance footage and information he provided a nearby business for a rewards program.&nbsp;

A search warrant was executed for Watson’s residence and detectives found a red hoodie in his room matching the description from surveillance video.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set Waatson's bond to $250,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Police: Info for rewards program linked suspect to KC restaurant killing

On Thursday, the FBI arrested Derrick Callella in Hawthorne, California, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Callella has been charged via a criminal complaint filed in federal court for transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce, and without disclosing his identity, utilizing a telecommunications device with the intent to abuse, threaten, or harass a person.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/media/1426976/dl?inline">Click here to read the criminal_complaint</a>

“The Department of Justice will protect victims and families at all costs, and grief profiteers will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “This case came together in under 24 hours because of the coordinated work of the FBI, local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.”

“To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation – we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke.

A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Man accused of being ransom note ‘imposter’ in Nancy Guthrie case

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman for alleged identity theft crimes.

On February 4, police arrested 35-year-old Amber R. Mierkey of Atchison, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. She was jailed on a District Court warrant on requested charges that include computer crimes, criminal use of a financial card and theft. 

These charges are in connection to a case in May 2022 when information from a financial card was taken from a 31-year-old victim in St. Joseph and used to make five separate purchases at an Atchison retail store totaling $169.50.&nbsp; &nbsp;She met the requirement for bond and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kan. woman accused of shopping with stolen credit card information

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated Press

Jurors have awarded $8.3 million to the family of a Kansas foster teen who died in 2021 after he was held facedown for 39 minutes in a juvenile intake center while in the throes of a mental health crisis.

Five juvenile officers in Sedgwick County either used excessive force on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cj-lofton-mental-health-crisis-48a306275d2cbe19da6539e0a4eb6563">Cedric “C.J.” Lofton</a>&nbsp;or failed to intervene, the jurors decided Wednesday after a trial in federal court in Wichita.

John Marrese, an attorney for Lofton’s brother and the estate, said Thursday that he was pleased that jurors rejected arguments that the death stemmed from “excited delirium,” a controversial diagnosis discredited by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/excited-delirium-police-deaths-acep-4760e3cbed181503a2ac747ed5afeef6">major medical associations</a>. Critics say it was often used to justify excessive force by police.

“It’s a good development in the world of prolonged prone restraint in terms of a jury acknowledging how dangerous it is and the fact that it can be fatal,” Marrese said.

Sedgwick County, which employed the officers named in the suit, said in a news release Wednesday that it was reviewing the verdict and discussing next steps.

Lofton died in a hospital on Sept. 26, 2021, just one day before his 18th birthday.

The final autopsy declared his death a homicide. But Marc Bennett, the district attorney, said in the months that followed that the state’s “stand-your-ground” law prevented him from pursuing charges of involuntary manslaughter because staff members were protecting themselves.

Lofton's mental health deteriorated after he traveled to Texas for his grandmother's funeral, with the teen telling a foster brother that he thought his classmates were murderous robots, Bennett wrote in a report.

Lofton's foster father drove him to a mental health provider, but the teen ran off. When Lofton returned home at 1 a.m. the following day, the foster father called Wichita police, the report said.

Officers then spent nearly an hour trying to persuade Lofton to let them take him to a mental hospital, body camera video showed. But the 5-foot-10, 135-pound (1.7-meter, 61-kilogram) teenager refused to budge.

Ultimately, officers decided to take him forcibly, restraining him in something called the WRAP, a device comprised of a locking shoulder harness, leg restraints and ankle straps.

A sergeant then determined he was too combative to go to the hospital, so officers transported him to the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center instead, the report showed.

After the WRAP restraint was removed, Lofton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-72306786c90addb96280d1738d931ad8">scuffled</a>&nbsp;with staff, who shackled Lofton’s ankles and put him on his stomach on the floor. Paramedics rushed to the facility after staff noticed he wasn't breathing, but he died two days later.

Jury awards millions to Kan. family for in-custody death of teen at juvenile center

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City after a decision by the medical examiner's office.

Just after 3:30a.m. on July 3, 2025, police were dispatched to the 1800 block of Woodland in Kansas City, Missouri, on a reported sound of shots call.&nbsp; As officers arrived, they located an adult male victim, later identified as 63-year-old&nbsp;Randy D. McKinney, suffering from unknown trauma, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. McKinney was transported to a local hospital with what were considered life threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Assault Squad detectives responded and began conducting an investigation.&nbsp; On July 14, investigators received information McKinney died of his injuries, but it could not be determined at the time of death if it was a homicide. However, members of the KCPD Homicide Unit took over the case until an official determination could be made by medical examiners.

Last week, homicide detectives received information from the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office that the manner of death has been ruled a homicide as a result of blunt force trauma.

&nbsp;The homicide total reflected in the Daily Homicide Analysis for 2025 will change from 138 to 139.

Medical examiner: Man's death in July in KC was a homicide

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Two grown men, one with a back tattoo, who saw a ceiling and said, “Yeah, that’s the entrance.”

According to McPherson County Crime Stoppers, the two suspects made unauthorized ceiling access to Main Street Bar and Grill, 121, North Main Street in the McPherson County community of Canton.

The suspects completely ignored the door.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16JehWjny6/">Click here to watch the crime in progress&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16qHhUwQnB/">&nbsp;Click here to watch another video of the crime&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

"The two were covered in insulation and regret. Thought this was a good idea by wearing socks over shoes like its hiding something."

Crime Stoppers described the suspects as gravity’s biggest fans

"ARMED &amp; DANGEROUS:Only to ceiling tiles and dignity."

"REWARD: One free drink&nbsp; (Valid only if they promise to use doors like everyone else.) "

Two gaming machines were damaged with an undisclosed amount of cash and bottles of alcohol taken.

🎥Suspects break into Kansas bar through the ceiling

SEDGWICK COUNTY —On Thursday morning, the Sedgwick County Zoo reported a&nbsp;wild bird showing potential signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) had been found on zoo grounds, according to the a social media report from the zoo.

The zoo sent samples out for conclusive testing.

Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of their birds, the zoo is increasing their HPAI biosecurity protocols while awaiting the final results.

What this means for your visit: The Australia/South America walk-through habitat is temporarily closed

 Flamingos, storks, cranes, and penguins will not be visible as often. 

"The health and safety of our animals is always our top priority. We'll keep you updated as we learn more. We appreciate your understanding and support as we prioritize animal welfare."

Signs of bird flu reported at zoo in Kansas 

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Investigators believe the missing mother of “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie</a>&nbsp;is “still out there,” but they have not identified any suspects, a sheriff in Arizona said Thursday.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos also said DNA tests showed blood found on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;’s porch came back a match to her. Authorities think she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2">taken from her home</a>&nbsp;in Tucson against her will over the weekend.

“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,” Nanos said at a news conference five days after she was reported missing. The sheriff, however, acknowledged that authorities have no proof she is still alive.

A day earlier, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-88e8731270d05e6e667730d2ed8633d3">message to her 84-year-old mother’s kidnapper</a>, but there has been no public sign of a response.

Savannah Guthrie said her family is ready to talk but wants proof their mom is still alive. In the heart-wrenching video posted on social media Wednesday, she acknowledged hearing media reports about a ransom letter.

“We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” Savannah Guthrie said while reading from a prepared statement. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”

She was last seen Saturday night when she was dropped off at her Tucson home by family after having dinner with them, the sheriff’s department said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-74d845b070fefe2d94cb92d655308e91">She was reported missing</a>&nbsp;about 14 hours later on Sunday after she didn’t show up at a church.

Guthrie has limited mobility, and officials don’t believe she left on her own. A sheriff’s dispatcher said during the search Sunday that Guthrie has high blood pressure, a pacemaker and heart issues, according to audio from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.broadcastify.com/">broadcastify.com</a>.

The neighborhood’s desert terrain can make looking for people difficult, said Jim Mason, longtime commander of a search-and-rescue team in Maricopa County that isn’t involved in the search. He said it can be hard to see into areas dense with mesquite trees, cholla cactus and desert brush.

“Some of it is so thick you can’t drive through it,” Mason said.

At least three media organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes that they handed over to investigators. The sheriff’s department has said it was taking the notes and other tips seriously but declined to comment further.

A note emailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN. It also included a dollar amount and a deadline, she said.

“When we saw some of those details, it was clear after a couple of sentences that this might not be a hoax,” she said in an interview aired Wednesday.

The family posted their plea after police searched in and around Nancy Guthrie’s home for several hours Wednesday.

Investigators returned for the follow-up investigation after being at the home earlier in the week for a couple of days, said Kevin Adger, a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. He said the sheriff’s department was not commenting on the family's video message.

The Guthrie siblings' message to their mother

Savannah Guthrie was emotional during the recording, with her voice cracking. She addressed her mother directly, saying the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her.

“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter,” she said.

Savannah Guthrie described her mother as a “kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light” and said she was funny, spunky and clever.

“Talk to her and you’ll see,” she said.

Guthrie was flanked by her sister Annie and her brother Camron.

“Mamma, If you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you,” Annie Guthrie said.

President Donald Trump posted on social media that he was directing federal authorities to help where they can, after the White House said he spoke with Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday.

A couple hundred people prayed and placed lit candles on an altar during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/vigil-held-at-tucson-church-for-kidnapped-mother-of-nbc-today-show-host-savannah-guthrie-7139ba07fe7b4c1c978b70d24a9e9e0a">a vigil at a Tucson church</a>.

Jeremy Thacker had tears in his eyes as he described the heartbreak and helplessness. He worked with Savannah Guthrie at an Arizona news station. They shared losing their fathers at a young age, and his own sister was kidnapped when he was young.

Thacker said he knew Nancy Guthrie to be sharp, grounded and earnest.

“We’re all holding our breath,” Thacker said.

Sheriff: No suspects, 'Today' show host missing mother 'is still out there'

DAMASCUS – U.S. forces conducted five strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, as partner forces continue to apply military pressure to ensure the enduring defeat of the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

CENTCOM forces located and destroyed an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities with 50 precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.

“Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “Operating in coordination with coalition and partner forces to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS makes America, the region and the world safer.”

U.S. and partner forces launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.

After nearly two months of targeted operations, more than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured. CENTCOM forces killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim during a deliberate strike in northwest Syria on Jan. 16. The terrorist leader was directly connected with the ISIS gunman responsible for the Dec. 13 attack.

U.S. forces strike more ISIS targets in Syria

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect charged in connection with a violent abduction shown on a doorbell video in Wichita was back in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. Daniel T. Espitia Guevara, 22., was sentenced to a year of probation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He pleaded no contest to charges of aggravated domestic battery and misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and  criminal restraint.

Espita Guevara is also on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold.

On October 12, the Wichita Police Department asked for the community’s help in identifying and locating a woman in a doorbell video who was seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.

Just after 3p.m. October 14, Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview. Police confirmed the identity of the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. Police determined the incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman did not have any significant injuries.

Just after 7 p.m. October 14, officers with the Wichita Police Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction team (DIVRT) located and arrested Guevara and booked him into jail.

Espita Guevara faces a separate trial for the immigration accusations, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. doorbell camera abduction video suspect learns his fate

&nbsp;The Junction City High School boys wrestling team won The Junction City Invitational Wrestling Tournament on Saturday at the Blue Jay Event Center. The tournament victory marks the Blue Jays’ third consecutive tournament win this season.

Junction City wrapped up the regular season with a 16-4 record in duals, and is currently ranked No. 9 in Class 6A.

The JCHS boys team had several individual performances during the tournament, with the following wrestlers earning top-four finishes in their respective weight classes:

The Junction City girls wrestling team placed third at their home tournament and crowned two first-place finishers.

Tournament champions for the Blue Jays were Bre Villanueva (115 lbs.) and Elizabeth Edgergton-Diaz (130 lbs.).

Additional placers included Shalina Hicks, who finished third at 190 lbs., and Miracle Simon, who earned a fourth-place finish at 135 lbs. Ammy Ngircheungel also placed fourth at 170 lbs.

*The Junction City High School boys and girls wrestling teams will return to action this Saturday for the Centennial League Wrestling Tournament at Washburn Rural. Wrestling begins at 9:00 a.m.

Junction City Boys Win Junction City Invitational, Girls Place 3rd

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson scored 19 points, including two 3-pointers in the final 1:20 for his only field goals of the second half, and the 11th-ranked Jayhawks overcame a late nine-point deficit to beat No. 13 Texas Tech 64-61 on Monday night.

Peterson, who played a season-high 35 minutes, hit a 3 from the right corner with 1:20 left to tie the game at 61. His next one, with 44 seconds remaining, put the Jayhawks (17-5, 7-2 Big 12) ahead to stay in their sixth consecutive win.

The Red Raiders (16-6, 6-3), playing without starting point guard Christian Anderson, had a 59-50 lead with 6:05 to go after a jumper by LeJuan Watts. But they made only one of their last 12 shots while Kansas closed on a 14-2 run.

Melvin Council Jr. had 16 points, Flory Bidunga scored 14 and Bryson Tiller grabbed 10 rebounds for Kansas.

Watts had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead Texas Tech, which beat Kansas in each of the previous two seasons under coach Grant McCasland after never before winning consecutive games in the 53-game series. The Red Raiders had been 11-0 at home this season.

Donovan Atwell had 12 points on four 3s for Texas Tech, including bookend 3s during an 11-0 run early in the second half for a six-point lead.

Anderson, who averages 19.6 points per game and leads the Big 12 with 7.5 assists, missed the game because of illness. He was in uniform and was riding a stationary bicycle early in the second half, but never played.

Texas Tech visits West Virginia on Sunday.

🏀 Darryn Peterson hits two late 3s as KU wins at Texas Tech

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Joshua Jefferson scored 19 points to lead five players in double figures as No. 8 Iowa beat Kansas State 95-61 on Sunday.

The Cyclones (20-2, 7-2 Big 12 Conference) got 18 points from Milan Momcilovic, 16 from Tamin Lipsey, 13 from Killyan Toure and 11 from Nate Heise en route to their fourth consecutive win.

They handed the Wildcats (10-12, 1-8 Big 12) their worst loss under coach Jerome Tang, who was hired ahead of the 2023 season.

Iowa State used two big runs in the first half to build a 29-point lead at the break. The second was a suffocating 25-4 run that covered nearly five minutes.

The Cyclones held the Wildcats to a season-low 21 points in the first half. The Wildcats shot just 31% from the field and matched their largest halftime deficit of the season. It swelled to 39 points in the second half.

P.J. Haggerty led Kansas State with 23 points and nine rebounds. Since transferring from Memphis, Haggerty has scored in double digits in all 22 of Kansas State’s games this season.

David Castillo added 11 points, including a 4-of-10 performance beyond the arc, for the Wildcats.

🏀 K-State suffers 34-point loss to No. 8 Iowa State

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Darryn Peterson scored 18 points in 20 minutes and No. 14 Kansas beat No. 13 BYU 90-82 on Saturday in the 1,000th game played at historic Allen Fieldhouse.

Bryson Tiller had career-high 21 points and seven rebounds for Kansas (16-5, 6-2 Big 12).

Although the Jayhawks led by as many as 21 points, BYU stayed within striking distance in the second half, cutting the lead to six as the clock ticked under two minutes to go. Kansas outscored the Cougars 8-4 in the final minute to withstand the late rally.

Richie Saunders scored a career-high 33 for BYU (17-4, 5-3). His six three-pointers tied a career-high.

Kansas carried a 20-point lead into halftime, shooting 64.3% from the field. That included 18 points from Peterson and the Jayhawks made 9 of 12 from beyond the arc.

BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, who entered the game averaging a nation-leading 23.6 points, went without a shot until the 11:24 mark in the first half. Dybantsa scored his first basket with 7:22 left in the period, ending a 13-0 run by the Jayhawks with a 3-pointer. He finished with 17 points.

Excitement about the matchup between top prospects Peterson and Dybantsa fizzled when Peterson exited the game a little more than 3 1/2 minutes into the second half. He missed Kansas’ previous game with an ankle sprain and has been limited to just 11 appearances, battling hamstring and calf injuries.

Kansas: Plays Monday at No.11 Texas Tech.

🏀 Bryson Tiller scores 21 as KU beats BYU 

Recap – Derby 83, Junction City 60

In the final non-Centennial League game of the season, the Junction City Blue Jays traveled to Derby to take on the Panthers.

Derby won the opening tip and scored the first basket of the game. Junction City quickly responded, as senior Jackson Hollie dunked the ball with two hands to tie the game at 2. JC then took a 4–2 lead, but that would be their only lead of the game.

It was a high-scoring first quarter, with Derby putting up 29 points in the opening frame. Junction City trailed 29–18 at the end of the first quarter.

In second-quarter action, the Panthers grew their lead to 15 at 35–20. The Blue Jays responded after head coach Easton Burgardt called a timeout to fire his guys up. Junction City tightened up on the defensive end, and senior Lovell Autry scored several baskets getting downhill and to the rim to cut the deficit to seven. Derby stretched the lead back to double digits and went into halftime ahead 42–32.

In the third quarter, Junction City once again cut the lead to single digits, trailing 52–44, but from that point on, it was all Derby. The Panthers led 67–48 at the end of the third quarter.

In fourth-quarter action, Derby grew the lead to 26. Both coaches emptied their benches, and each team was able to get every player on its varsity roster into the game. Derby went on to win by a final score of 83–60.

Derby improves to 10–5 on the season, while Junction City falls to 8–7.

Senior Lovell Autry led the way with 21 points. Seniors Jackson Hollie and Jett Thompson both scored 10 points in the game.

Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was 6’6” senior Jackson Hollie. It marked the first double-digit scoring performance of his varsity career. For being named Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Jackson receives a $20 free meal voucher from Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.

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