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

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas bill that would have&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/02/kansas-bill-would-require-kindergarteners-to-be-potty-trained-before-starting-school/">required kindergarteners to be potty trained</a>&nbsp;before starting school stalled in committee.

House Education Committee chairwoman Rep. Susan Estes, a Republican from Wichita, declined to bring the bill up for debate Wednesday. She said she wanted to give school districts more time to find a solution.&nbsp;

“I do think there are some very legitimate concerns,” Estes said. “Parents needing support if they are going through this. But also, how do we make sure that everything is being done in a way that is safe for the educator as well as the student?”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2486/" target="_blank">House Bill 2486</a>&nbsp;garnered double the amount of opponents compared to proponents. Critics worried the bill would leave vulnerable children behind by excluding them from school and urged legislators to leave the decision up to local districts.&nbsp;

Rep. Sherri Brantley, a Republican from Great Bend, introduced the bill to help educators mitigate distractions. It would have required parents to confirm in writing that their child is potty trained before enrolling in school.

Kansas lawmakers hold back school potty training bill to allow time for solutions

PAWNEE COUNTY- Michael EG Reynolds, 69 of Larned, appeared Thursday afternoon before Senior District Judge Nancy Parrish of Topeka, Kansas, to determine whether he is competent to stand trial, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. The hearing was conducted via video teleconferencing.

After hearing the testimony of the court-assigned forensic evaluator and arguments of counsel, Judge Parrish found Reynolds not competent to stand trial. Based on this finding, the Court then entered an order directing the Defendant to be committed to the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) for up to ninety (90) days for competency restoration treatment.

A five-day Jury Trial was scheduled to commence February 23, 2026. The matter is now stayed until such time as the Court finds the defendant has regained competency.

Under Kansas law, a person is “incompetent to stand trial” when such person is charged with a crime and, because of mental illness or defect is unable: (1) To understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against such person; or (2) to make or assist in making such person's defense.

Reynolds is charged with one count of Intentional Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm. The charges stem from a joint investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Coroner Dr. Lyle Noordhoek into the shooting death of Dr. Tomas Garza, 52 of Larned, on March 30, 2024. Reynolds was taken into custody at the scene without incident at the time of the alleged incident.

Rather than the State Security Hospital, which is on the campus of Larned State Hospital, the State anticipates Reynolds will be transferred to Osawatomie State Hospital to receive the court ordered treatment. At the time of his death, Dr. Garza served as the medical supervisor for Larned State Hospital.

Following the hearing, Judge Parrish denied the defendant’s request to reduce the bond finding Reynolds currently poses a danger to himself or others if released. The defendant will remain in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff pending his transfer to a psychiatric facility.

Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett represented the State at the hearing. Reynolds was represented by David McDonald of Platte City, Missouri.

Judge rules on competency of suspect in murder of Kansas doctor

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to a shooting in the 1800 block of East Front Street, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Upon arrival officers located a victim in the parking lot of Bally's KC Casino identified as 18-year-old&nbsp;Aundre Harris Jr. suffering from gunshot wounds. They began performing lifesaving measures and ordered KCFD EMS to the scene. Medics transported Harris to a local hospital, where he died a short time later.&nbsp;

This is being investigated as a homicide. A subject of interest was taken into custody on scene pending further investigation. The preliminary information revealed there was a disturbance between multiple individuals inside the casino. That disturbance subsequently led to an altercation in the parking lot where shots were fired and Harris was struck. Detectives and crime scene personnel canvassed the scene for physical evidence, witnesses, and surveillance footage.&nbsp;

If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

Police: Teen killed after fight inside KC area casino

JOHNSON COUNTY—Police are asking for the public's help to identify jewelry theft suspect.

According to Overland Park Police, two individuals are suspected of committing felony theft from a jewelry kiosk at the Oak Park Mall.

The alleged theft occurred just after 7:30p.m. January 8. Two suspects entered a retail kiosk located at the Oak Park Mall,&nbsp; W.95th and Nieman after regular business hours. 

Once inside the kiosk, the suspects selected a significant number of necklaces before leaving the scene on foot.

 Both suspects are described as Hispanic males in their twenties. Police have no suspect vehicle information.

Anyone with information pertaining to the identity of these two individuals is urged to contact the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8729 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.Public Information Officer J. Lacy #653

Police working to ID Kansas jewelry theft suspects

By SEJAL GOVINDARAO, JACQUES BILLEAUD and JOHN SEEWER Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie's</a>&nbsp;brother on Thursday renewed the family's plea for their mother's kidnapper to contact them, hours after an Arizona sheriff said investigators don't have proof&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;is alive but believe “she's still out there.”

“Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly,” Camron Guthrie said in a video posted on social media.

“We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward,” but first the family needs to know the kidnapper has their mother, he said, echoing a statement his famous sister read the day before.

Five days into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2">desperate search</a>&nbsp;for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, authorities have not identified any suspects or persons of interest, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said.

Authorities think she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-6c7b78d17d7b647c64f71f64ecaecf8b">taken against her will</a>&nbsp;from her home in Tucson over the weekend. DNA tests showed blood found on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, the sheriff said.

“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,” Nanos said at a news conference earlier Thursday. He acknowledged, however, that authorities have no evidence she’s OK.

Investigators said they are taking seriously notes seeking ransom that were sent to some media outlets.

It's unclear if all of the notes were identical. Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix, said details included a demand for money with a Thursday evening deadline and a second deadline for Monday if the first one wasn't met. At least one note mentioned a floodlight at Guthrie's home and an Apple watch, Janke said.

“To anyone who may be involved, do the right thing. This is an 84-year-old grandma,” Janke said.

At least three media organizations reported receiving purported ransom notes, which they handed over to investigators. Authorities made an arrest after one ransom note turned out to be fake, the sheriff said.

A note e-mailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN.

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

The sheriff said it’s possible Nancy Guthrie was targeted, but if she was, investigators don’t know if that’s because her daughter is one of television’s most visible anchors.

Authorities say any decision on whether to fulfill ransom demands ultimately is up to the family.

A day earlier, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-88e8731270d05e6e667730d2ed8633d3">message to her mother’s kidnapper</a>, saying they are ready to talk but want proof their mom is still alive. There's been no response to their pleas so far.

Investigators gave a more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mom-missing-nancy-adaa8af43efe04c252a52616d9037a05">detailed timeline</a>&nbsp;from the hours after Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night. She was eating dinner and playing games with family members before one of them dropped her off at her home in a upscale neighborhood that sits on hilly, desert terrain, the sheriff said.

About four hours later, just before 2 a.m. Sunday, the home’s doorbell camera was disconnected, Nanos said. But Guthrie did not have an active subscription, so the doorbell company was unable to recover any footage.

Software data recorded movement at the home minutes later, the sheriff said, acknowledging that the motion could have come from an animal.

Then at 2:28 a.m. the app on Guthrie’s pacemaker was disconnected from her phone.

Guthrie&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-74d845b070fefe2d94cb92d655308e91">was reported missing</a>&nbsp;shortly before noon Sunday after she didn’t show up at a church.

While she is able to drive and her mind is sharp, the sheriff said she has difficulty walking even short distances. She also requires daily medicine that's vital to her health, he has said.

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>.

Investigators searched in and around Guthrie’s home again for several hours Wednesday.

Authorities are bringing more resources and people into the investigation, and the FBI announced Thursday it was offering up to $50,000 for information. A day earlier, President Donald Trump posted on social media that he was directing federal authorities to help where they can.

Savannah Guthrie has hosted “Today” — NBC’s flagship morning show — for more than a decade and had been set to co-anchor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-olympics-host-nbc-mary-carillo-94c13d18ac30129cc37e6990ac2c31f1">the network’s coverage</a>&nbsp;of Friday’s opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics. For now, she's staying close to her mother's home.

She joined her two siblings in an emotional plea on social media Wednesday to say they're ready to talk to whoever sent the ransom notes.

“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 said while fighting off tears.

With her voice cracking, she addressed her mother directly, saying the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her. She was flanked by Camron and their sister, Annie.

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

This story has been corrected to show that the sheriff said it’s possible Nancy Guthrie was targeted, not that investigators have believed from the beginning that she was targeted.

Billeaud reported from Phoenix and Seewer from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press writers Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed.

🎥'Today' show host's family renews plea to mother's kidnapper

KANSAS CITY—A driver injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Sunday in Kansas City, Missouri has died.

According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino, a blue Jeep Cherokee was&nbsp; westbound on 43rd and entered the intersection at Paseo from a stop sign. A northbound white Chevrolet Equinox traveling at a high rate of speed struck the Jeep. The Jeep rolled and the driver was ejected from the vehicle. 

The driver of the Jeep was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. The front seat passenger of the Jeep was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet was uninjured in the collision.

Police were notified the driver of the Jeep was pronounced deceased by hospital staff on Thursday morning, according to DiMartino.

&nbsp;The investigation, to include suspected impairment of the Chevrolet driver, is ongoing.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is fatality #6 compared to #5 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri. Police did not release the name of the victim.

KCPD: Driver dies days after crash with suspected impaired driver

On Thursday, at the direction of U.S. Southern Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command.

Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. 

Two narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.&nbsp; This is the second deadly strike since the&nbsp;raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. On January 23, the U.S. carried out a deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

&nbsp;The Department of War released no additional details.

🎥 US carries out another deadly strike on a drug boat 

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

&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.

Junction City is back in action next Friday night as the Blue Jays travel to Topeka Hayden High School.

🏀 Derby Rolls Past the Blue Jays in Boys-Only Action on Friday

Junction City boys only basketball action tonight in Derby. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Junction City Blue Jays (8-6) at Derby Panthers (9-5). It is the final non-league game of the regular season.&nbsp;

You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">hear the game by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

🏀 LISTEN LIVE: Junction City boys basketball at Derby High School

Both the Junction City boys and girls varsity wrestling teams won their duals on Thursday night at the Blue Jay Event Center in Junction City. The evening also featured senior night ceremonies for the Blue Jays as well. (Below are the outcomes from each match). **Photos provided by USD 475 Communication Coordinator Matt Hoover.&nbsp;

Girls Wrestling results -&nbsp;Junction City 64 — Salina-South 18

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