Geary County Commisioners have elected Kathy Tremont to serve as the Chair of the governing body for the coming year. Trish Giordano will be the Vice Chair.

For individual appointments to public boards:

--Keith Ascher will serve on the Public Building Commission, Solid Waste Management Planning Committee, Chamber of Commerce Board, MPO Board, Local Emergency Planning Committee and the County Risk Management Committee.

--Trish Giordano will be on the Militaryy Affairs Council, ATA Bus Board, Flint Hills Regional Council, the CVB Committee and the Community Corrections Committee. She will also serve as an alternate for the MPO Board.

--Kathy Tremont will serve on the EDC, the North Central Regional Juvenile Detention Center Board and the Pawnee Mental Health Board.

Commissioners reappointed John Moyer to a three year term on the County Public Building Commission.

County Commission reorganizes for 2026

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30p.m. January 9, in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 2023 Jeep Compass driven by Glen Milheim, 77, of Junction City, struck a pedestrian on a bicycle, Nataniel Ervin, 54, of Ogden,&nbsp;at the intersection of Anderson Ave. and Waters Street. 

EMS transported Ervin to Irwin Army Community Hospital for his injuries. Milheim was issued a citation for failing to yield at a stop sign.

Junction City driver cited after Jeep struck pedestrian

The Geary County CVB has listed a number of America 250 activities.

JAN 24:&nbsp;Eagle Day @Milford Nature Center - Tour, Crafts, Refreshments

APRIL 17-18:&nbsp;History ALIVE! Historic reenactments,&nbsp;18-foot tipis, tomahawk throwing and archery lessons, Ojibwe dancers, gunfighters, a Territorial Marshal and more.

JUNE 6:&nbsp;Mud Bog 2026: Thunder on the Avenue (info to come @&nbsp;freedomfestjc.com)

﻿JUNE 13: Junction City JUNETEENTH Celebration in Heritage Park

JULY 1-5:&nbsp;FREEDOM FEST Junction City: Celebrating America's 250! Free entertainment and live music; merchant vendors, beer and food vendors, carnival, fireworks, and more!&nbsp;freedomfestjc.com

JUNE-JULY:&nbsp;Junction City Brigade Baseball at the historic Rathert Field - plan a trip to enjoy America's Pasttime!&nbsp;jcbrigade.com

Celebrate AMERICA 250  ﻿in Geary County

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

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

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

Kansas woman hospitalized after car strikes a culvert

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sen. Marshall works to preserve Irwin Army Community Hospital

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KAY Club will conduct a food drive

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

The Board will elect a President and Vice President.

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

BOE is scheduled to elect officers Monday evening

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

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Bailey Collier, Failure to appear, arrested 01/08

Geary County Booking Photos Jan. 9, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Field to Trophy: Kansas Wheat Honors Coach Bill Snyder

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

The 2026 legislative session begins next week.

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

Butler represents the 68th District in the Kansas House.

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

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the death of an infant an have nade an arres.

Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, police&nbsp;&nbsp;responded to a single-family residence in central Salina for a medical call involving an unknown disturbance, according to Salina Police Lt. Andrew Ziegler.

Officers and Medics arrived and contacted the occupants of that home. Just prior to the call to police, one of those occupants had discovered their 5-month-old male unresponsive in their crib, according to Ziegler. 

Both adult occupants of the home were interviewed by Salina Police Detectives. Adyson Burr, 21 years of age and resident of that address, has been arrested on a requested charge with 1 count of 1st Degree Homicide and 1 count of Child Abuse.&nbsp;

An autopsy to be performed in Kansas City later this week.

Police: Kan. woman arrested in death of 5-month old boy

SALINE COUNTY —Two people avoided serious injures after an accident on icy roads in Saline County.

According to Saline County Sheriff's Operations Captain Jim Hughes, the single vehicle accident occurred just before 5p.m.&nbsp;in the 5700 block of S. Burma. 

Investigators determined the vehicle was traveling too fast for conditions, slid off the road and landed on it top in a creek. &nbsp;Two occupants complained of minor “aches and pains” and denied EMS assistance.

Sheriff: 2 avoid serious injury after crash into Kansas creek

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/brianmartucci/">Brian Martucci</a>- <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

Federal immigration authorities intensified a weekslong operation in the Twin Cities over the weekend following the Wednesday killing of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.

Residents pushed back, led by a growing network of rapid responders hounding U.S. ICE and Border Patrol vehicles and agents across the metro area.

Thousands&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/10/thousands-march-in-minneapolis-to-protest-ice-after-shooting/">marched peacefully</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis Saturday to remember Good and protest the Trump administration’s expanding immigration crackdown. Many marchers stopped to pay their respects as the procession moved from Powderhorn Park past the intersection where the fatal shooting occurred.

Saturday’s protest, the largest since Good’s killing, was more subdued than a Friday evening gathering outside downtown Minneapolis hotels where ICE agents were said to be staying.

Protesters blew whistles, banged drums and shouted taunts outside the hotels for hours before some tried to force their way into the Canopy by Hilton at 700 Third Street South, causing about $6,000 in damage, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-ice-protest-friday-night-arrests-damage-no-injuries/601561757" target="_blank">Star Tribune&nbsp;reported</a>. City and state police ordered protesters to disperse around midnight and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h6jSaT1Qy3k?si=1vXpli_jiJ9nNRQL" target="_blank">arrested about 30 people</a>&nbsp;without incident, officials said Saturday.

Near Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, a smaller group braved chilly winds to maintain a near-permanent presence outside an ICE operations hub and detention center.

U.S. Reps.&nbsp; Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison said they were denied entry to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building shortly after arriving for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/us-reps-ilhan-omar-angie-craig-say-they-were-turned-away-from-ice-facility-mn/89-c71bf6c9-f7a0-459f-aee5-c62ea6858d56" target="_blank">what they called an oversight visit</a>&nbsp;on Saturday morning.

Later in the day,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/10/minnesota-democrats-ice-00721211" target="_blank">Politico reported</a>&nbsp;that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — who oversees ICE and said this weekend she’d ordered hundreds more agents to join at least 2,000 already in the Twin Cities — signed an order on Thursday requiring a week’s notice for Congressional visits to immigrant detention centers.

Multiple people released from Whipple told independent journalists that they’d been&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/gbrockell.bsky.social/post/3mc6zl5qsns2k" target="_blank">verbally or physically abused</a>&nbsp;in or en route to detention there. Two said agents used demeaning language to describe Good and suggested she’d deserved her fate.

The&nbsp;Reformer&nbsp;has not independently verified the Whipple detainees’ claims. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Minneapolis/comments/1qa3pmm/boxed_in_by_ice/" target="_blank">separate video</a>&nbsp;posted on Sunday by a Minneapolis Reddit user, an ICE agent tells a driver to “[g]o home to your children…have you not learned from what just happened?”

Sunday saw more reports of federal law enforcement activity in St. Paul. One&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/saintpaul/comments/1qaaww4/greg_bovino_has_officially_kicked_off_door_to/" target="_blank">bystander video</a>&nbsp;purported to show agents going “door to door” on Thomas Avenue near Victoria Street, possibly making good on Vice President JD Vance’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/08/jd-vance-promises-aggressive-immigration-enforcement/88086884007/" target="_blank">promise earlier this week</a>&nbsp;of house-by-house immigration operations. Armed personnel&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattprivratsky.bsky.social/post/3mc6cp7f4pc2g" target="_blank">questioned shoppers</a>&nbsp;at a nearby Target. And a crowd heckled agents as they appeared to pull a man out of his car at a gas station on Snelling Avenue.

A multi-agency operation that at times felt like an outright occupation had many Twin Cities residents — not just hardened activists — calling for ICE to withdraw and deeper reform of federal immigration policy.

On Sunday, outgoing U.S. Sen. Tina Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/democratic-minnesota-senator-ice-has-a-role-in-our-country-11342339" target="_blank">told CNN</a>&nbsp;that she was listening, but stopped short of promising to lead the “abolish ICE” movement in Washington.

“It is hard for me to imagine how I could vote to support a budget bill for the Department of Homeland Security, given how the Department of Homeland Security is functioning right now in my community,” she said. “I want to see work done that would bring some serious reforms to ICE.”

ICE intensifies Twin Cities operation after killing of Renee Good, protests

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting&nbsp; that occurred in the basement of a home in Wichita is set to return to court.

Elijah Cynova, 18, will appear in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom on Monday afternoon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He may be asked to enter a plea in the case.

&nbsp;On December 28, Cynova was charged with&nbsp;unintentional but reckless second-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Blaze Arrington, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just after 10p.m. December 23, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 3600 block of South Eisenhower Court in Wichita and found&nbsp; Arrington suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.&nbsp;

Investigators determined Arrington was in the basement with a friend, later identified as Cynova, showing him two firearms. During the interaction, Cynova reportedly pointed one of the firearms at Arrington and fired, striking him.&nbsp;

Arrington was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; He died four days later.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nicole-kenny-after-losing-blaze">Click here to view the</a> online fundraiser to assist Arrington's family.

Police arrested Cynova and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail early on Christmas Eve on an initial requested charge of aggravated battery.&nbsp; &nbsp;He met the requirement of a $100,000 bond and was released on January 8, according to online jail records.

Kan. man accused in death of teen friend set for return to court

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man died in a deputy involved shooting in Sedgwick County.

Just after 5:30a.m.. Monday, Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a shirtless man holding a handgun in the roadway near 55th Street South and Hoover Road, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

Deputies responded to the scene and found a 32-year-old Wichita man near the intersection, still armed. Deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation for several minutes.

During the encounter, the man fired at deputies, striking at least one patrol vehicle. Deputies returned fire, striking the man multiple times.

Deputies immediately provided aid and requested assistance from Sedgwick County EMS and the Wichita Fire Department. EMS transported the man to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later died. Hospital staff pronounced him dead at 6:51 a.m.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

Sheriff Jeff Easter activated the Wichita-Sedgwick County Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team. Under the ALERT agreement, the Wichita Police Department will lead the investigation.

Sheriff: Man killed after shooting at Kansas deputies

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;motorcade took a different route than usual to the airport as he was departing Florida on Sunday due to a “suspicious object,” according to the White House.

The object, which the White House did not describe, was discovered during security sweeps in advance of Trump’s arrival at Palm Beach International Airport.

“A further investigation was warranted and the presidential motorcade route was adjusted accordingly,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Sunday.

The president, when asked about the package by reporters, said, “I know nothing about it.”

Trump left his Palm Beach, Florida, club, Mar-a-Lago, around 6:20 p.m. for the roughly 10-minute drive to the airport, but took a circular route around the city to get there.

During the drive, police officers on motorcycles created a moving blockade for the motorcade, at one point almost colliding with the vans that accompanied Trump.

Air Force One was parked on the opposite side of the airport from where it is usually located and the lights outside the plane were turned off.

President Trump’s motorcade forced to reroute due to ‘suspicious object’

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A wanted Kansas suspect captured at a motel in Colorado in July will face a jury trial on Monday.

Ryan Antalek, 40, Wichita will appear in Judge Sean Hatfield's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He is charged with criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, stalking, two counts of criminal threat, and criminal damage to property, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In July of 2024, the Pueblo County Colorado Sheriff’s communication center received a tip that Antalek&nbsp; was possibly staying at the Days Inn in Colorado City, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

Kansas authorities had been searching for Antalek on a warrant and had heightened the search after learning he had made repeated homicidal statements. Antalek also was noted to have a criminal history involving weapons and known to carry firearms.

Sheriff's detectives and U.S. Marshals responded to the Days Inn at about 12:30 a.m. and located in the parking lot a 2019 Black Chevy Colorado truck Antalek was reportedly driving. After confirming that Antalek was in the hotel, detectives, with assistance from the Marshals, devised a plan and were able to get him to leave his hotel room where he was taken into custody without incident.

Antalek was arrested on a no bond fugitive of justice warrant from Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trial begin for Kansas assault suspect captured in Colorado

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">killing of a Minnesota woman</a>&nbsp;by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer is reverberating across Capitol Hill where Democrats, and certain Republicans, are vowing an assertive response as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;aggressive deportation operations spark&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/ice-federal-officers-shooting-updates-1-9-2026#0000019b-a41c-dc32-a3df-acbc9d6f0000">protests nationwide.</a>

Lawmakers are demanding a range of actions, from a full investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good's shooting death</a>&nbsp;and policy changes over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ice-shooting-immigration-842b1d92cb93f2326171f139686e8b0f">law enforcement raids</a>&nbsp;to the defunding of ICE operations and the impeachment of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem</a>, in what is fast becoming an inflection point.

“The situation that took place in Minnesota is a complete and total disgrace,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said as details emerged. “And in the next few days, we will be having conversations about a strong and forceful and appropriate response by House Democrats.”

Yet there is almost no consensus among the political parties in the aftermath of the death of Good, who was behind the wheel of an SUV after dropping off her 6-year-old at school when she was shot and killed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-minnesota-jonathan-ross-b9ce88da676d74ec6a1ab36aa55fbda1">an ICE officer</a>.

The killing immediately drew dueling narratives. Trump and Noem said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjGOBoKGX-E">ICE officer acted in self-defense</a>, while Democratic officials said the Trump administration was lying and they urged the public to see the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-minneapolis-minnesota-ice-shooting-1cd447e8963456af2be9a24d660ed1d6">viral videos</a>&nbsp;of the shooting for themselves.

Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;blamed Good, calling it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-minnesota-immigration-enforcement-06b23b428edcc8498362be4ac656f201">“a tragedy of her own making,”</a>&nbsp;and said the ICE officer may have been “sensitive” from having been injured during an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-minnesota-jonathan-ross-b9ce88da676d74ec6a1ab36aa55fbda1">unrelated altercation</a>&nbsp;last year.

But Good’s killing, at least the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">fifth known death</a>&nbsp;since the administration launched its mass deportation campaign, could change the political dynamic.

“The videos I’ve seen from Minneapolis are deeply disturbing,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, in a statement.

“As we mourn this loss of life, we need a thorough and objective investigation into how and why this happened,” she said. As part of the investigation, she said she is calling for policy changes, saying the situation “was devastating, and cannot happen again.”

Homeland Security funding is up for debate

The push in Congress for more oversight and accountability of the administration's immigration operations comes as lawmakers are in the midst of the annual appropriations process to fund agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, to prevent another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-spending-bill-shutdown-funding-senate-trump-86eed888517a899784695596ef80bb31">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;when money expires at the end of January.

As anti-ICE demonstrations erupt in cities in the aftermath of Good’s death, Democrats have pledged to use any available legislative lever to apply pressure on the administration to change the conduct of ICE officers.

“We’ve been warning about this for an entire year,” said Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla.

The ICE officer “needs to be held accountable,” Frost said, “but not just them, but ICE as a whole, the president and this entire administration.”

Congressional Democrats saw Good’s killing as a sign of the need for aggressive action to restrain the administration’s tactics.

Several Democrats joined calls to impeach Noem, who has been under fire from both parties for her lack of transparency at the department, though that step is highly unlikely with Republicans in control of Congress.

Other Democrats want to restrict the funding for her department, whose budget was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-congress-deportations-immigration-raids-homeland-security-a2c6a2f726629e62bd0199aee68294f6">vastly increased</a>&nbsp;as part of Republicans’ sweeping tax and spending bill passed last summer.

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, the top Democrat on the subcommittee that handles Homeland Security funding, plans to introduce legislation to rein in the agency with constraints on federal agents’ authority, including a requirement that the Border Patrol stick to the border and that DHS enforcement officers be unmasked.

“More Democrats are saying today the thing that a number of us have been saying since April and May: Kristi Noem is dangerous. She should not be in office, and she should be impeached,” said Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez, who represents parts of Chicago where ICE launched an enhanced immigration enforcement action last year that resulted in two deaths.

Immigration debates have long divided Congress and the parties. Democrats splinter between more liberal and stricter attitudes toward newcomers to the United States. Republicans have embraced Trump’s hard-line approach to portray Democrats as radicals.

The Republican administration had launched the enforcement operation in Minnesota in response to an investigation of the nonprofit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/feeding-our-future-pandemic-fraud-trial-847f42be252ecd373c60125fd4fae6e9">Feeding Our Future.</a>&nbsp;Prosecutors said the organization was at the center of the country’s largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-food-fraud-bag-of-cash-7106883911765bb0c3794fe6196fcf9d">COVID-19-related fraud</a>&nbsp;scams, when defendants exploited a state-run, federally funded program intended to provide food for children.

Heading into the November midterm election, which Democrats believe will hinge on issues such as affordability and health care, national outcry over ICE’s conduct has pressured lawmakers to speak out.

“I’m not completely against deportations, but the way they’re handling it is a real disgrace,” said Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, who represents a district along the U.S.-Mexico border

“Right now, you’re seeing humans treated like animals,” he said.

Other ICE shootings have rattled lawmakers

In September, a federal immigration enforcement agent in Chicago&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-chicago-shooting-death-immigration-operation-ca7326ca75993984e102fe3693ae469c">fatally shot Silverio Villegas Gonzalez</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-ice-illinois-immigration-shooting-29eec5d07aef36b32fc8e03e8948c836">a brief altercation</a>&nbsp;after Gonzalez had dropped off his children at school.

In October, a Customs and Border Protection agent also in Chicago shot Marimar Martinez, a teacher and U.S. citizen, five times during a dispute with officers. The charges against Martinez brought by the administration were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-immigration-protests-prosecutions-doj-arrests-591f155d50c13756842e033ea23f16d3">dismissed by a federal judge</a>.

To Rep. Chuy Garcia, D-Ill., Good’s death "brought back heart-wrenching memories of those two shootings in my district.”

“It looks like the fact that a US citizen, who is a white woman, may be opening the eyes of the American public, certainly of members of Congress, that what’s going on is out of control,” he said, “that this isn’t about apprehending or pursuing the most dangerous immigrants.”

Republicans expressed some concern at the shooting but stood by the administration’s policy, defended the officer's actions and largely blamed Good for the standoff.

“Nobody wants to see people get shot,” said Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga.

“Let’s do the right thing and just be reasonable. And the reasonable thing is not to obstruct ICE officers and then accelerate while they’re standing in front of your car,” he said. “She made a mistake. I’m sure she didn’t mean for that to happen, nor did he mean for that to happen.”

Congress debates possible consequences for ICE and Noem after Renee Good's killing

The 2026 Kansas legislative session begins Monday with lawmakers in Topeka amid an election year that could influence both the tone and substance of the agenda.

Among the issues likely to dominate the session are budget decisions and tax policy. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has emphasized maintaining the state’s fiscal stability, while some Republican lawmakers are pushing for additional tax cuts.

Lawmakers must also determine how to allocate $222 million Kansas received through the Trump administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a funding stream aimed at strengthening health care access, particularly in rural areas.

Property taxes are also expected to be a major point of discussion. While there is broad agreement that rising property taxes are a significant concern for Kansans.

Republicans and Democrats agree property tax is a top issue in the state, but the consensus is not there, even within the parties. Agreement between Republican leaders is not present.

Redistricting, however, is not expected to be part of the regular session agenda. House Speaker Dan Hawkins said last week that Republicans currently do not have the votes to pass congressional redistricting.

The legislative session runs until late April.&nbsp; The candidate filing deadline for the primary election is June 1. This year, Kansas voters will cast ballots for governor, U.S. senator, state attorney general, state insurance commissioner, secretary of state, state treasurer and state representatives.

2026 Kansas legislative session begins

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a semi driver on multiple allegations after a traffic stop on Sunday.

On January 11, Lyon County Deputies were dispatched to Interstate 35 for a report of a reckless semi, according to a media release. Deputies located the semi and subsequently conducted a traffic stop based on the driving behavior. 

During the course of the stop, deputies developed probable cause to believe the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Deputies arrested him and transported him to the Lyon County Detention Center. 

While at the detention center, the driver blew over 3 times the legal limit for regular motor vehicles (.08) and 7 times the legal limit for commercial vehicle drivers (.04).&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release the name of the driver.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office reminds the public to drive sober, or you will get pulled over. Driving buzzed, high, or otherwise intoxicated is not only dangerous for you but also for other motorists.

Semi driver arrested in Kansas: 7 times over legal blood alcohol limit

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

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

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

A fourth place finisher included Hudson Bohanan at 150 pounds.

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

Blue Jays win a tournament championship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arizona State is at top-ranked Arizona on Wednesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas hosts No. 3 Iowa State on Tuesday.

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

🏀 Huff and Lorient help West Virginia beat Kansas 

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

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

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