Junction City Can Dance is the title of a fundraiser for the youth education program at the C.L. Hoover Opera House Gala Saturday night. The event begins from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a reception that will also include an opportunity to make silent auction bids.

There will also be the unveiling of a new mural in a hallway of the building leading to the kitchen an green room. "It's really a huge artistic addition to the Opera House, said Co-Executive Director Joe Markley.&nbsp; There will also be live music and a photo exhibit of the Opera House for the last 10 years at the building. "

The main event will be performances by three dance groups with a live auction of items between the performances. The items range from a quarter of beef and processing to a plane ride over Junction City and the region.

Tickets can be obtained online at jcoperahouse.org. The price is 50. Efforts will be made to accommodate walk-ups Saturday night.

Junction City Can Dance will be held at the C.L. Hoover Opera House

Check on the Vulnerable to Make Sure They Are Staying Warm!!

Geary County Emergency Management said arctic air moves in on Saturday dropping temperatures below freezing through Tuesday.

Wind Chill values, or what it feels like, are expected to be around zero to around 15 below this weekend and into next week.

Make sure heaters are working properly, dress in layers when going outside including a hat and gloves, and check on neighbors to make sure they can keep warm. 

Dress for EXTREME COLD WEATHER.  Bring your pets inside.  Check on your neighbors. Check KanDrive before you head out and take winter travel precautions.

Bitter cold is set to move in

Geary County schools USD 475 will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The District said that students will also have off Tuesday, Jan. 21 as the district is having a professional development day.

No classes for USD 475 on Monday and Tuesday

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Thursday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a vehicle driven by 24-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Antonio Casillas-Ventura of Fort Riley struck 50-year-old Lonny Scott who was in a wheelchair crossing at the corner of Leavenworth Street and North 4th Street.&nbsp; The wheelchair had struck ice and tipped over just before the crash.

EMS transported Scott to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Vehicle struck wheelchair crossing street in Manhattan

CHECK YOUR BURN PILES! RECHECK YOUR BRUSH PILES CONSISTENTLY .WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BE UP TO 30mph Friday.  With a wind shift from SW to N.  Many of you have taken advantage of the large amount of snow which is the perfect time to clear those brush piles out in the County (WITH PERMISSION).  Even if you think it is out from burning previously please watch it for rekindling.&nbsp;

Emergency Management issues burn pile reminder

VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Allocations - application to receive funding from United Way of Junction City/Geary County.

Ailleen Cray Flint Hills Community Service Scholarship

United Way seeks volunteers for the VITA program

The Geary County Conservation District will host their 85th Annual Meeting on January 23, 2025 at the Senior Center on Spring Valley Road. The meeting will begin at 6:30 with a free meal sponsored by the Geary County Banker’s Association.

The agenda consists of a report of the District’s activities for 2024, the year-end financial accounting and the election of one member to the Board of Supervisors. The highlight of the event will be the awarding of the Conservation Award to the Geary County Rural Fire Department.

The volunteer members of the Rural Fire Department provide an invaluable service to landowners in our county by acting as a back-up to land managers as they conduct annual controlled burns to reduce woody encroachment into native prairies here in the Flint Hills. They are also a frontline defense to protect people and property when wildfires erupt as they did earlier this past year.

The Conservation District board wants to recognize the dedicated men and women who selflessly volunteer for this hazardous duty. As our climate changes with more intense wet spells followed by prolonged periods of drought, the need for good land stewardship and the controlled reduction of fire fuel loads will become evermore important. The role of the Rural Fire Department is critical in these continued efforts.

Everyone is invited to attend the meeting and learn more about the District’s efforts to partner with landowners, farmers and ranchers to protect, conserve, and restore Geary County’s invaluable natural resources. 

To make a reservation, please contact Angela at the District office at 785-238-4251, or text her at 785-210-4338 or by e-mail at angela.beavers@ks.usda.gov.

Geary County Conservation District to Host Annual Meeting

Geary County Volunteer Firefighter Wayne Adams has retired from responding to fires in Geary County after 45 years of dedicated service.  Wayne responded out of the Clark Creek's Fire Station.

At Tuesday night's training, Wayne was presented a plaque from the department acknowledging his dedication over the past 45 years to the Rural Fire Department and the citizens of Geary County. He was also given the fire helmet that he wore to keep.

Rural firefighter Wayne Adams is recognized

Junction City, KS – The Geary County Childcare Coalition (GC3C) has announced receipt of a Child Care Community Partnership grant from Child Care Aware of Kansas and Kansas Department of Children and Families. This grant provides funding for a part-time coordinator that will facilitate the initiatives of the committee in 2025.

Upon receipt of the grant in December 2024, the GC3C Steering Committee interviewed candidates and selected Amy Garner for this role. Garner has extensive experience working with boards and committees towards the completion of goals.

The 2025 initiatives support the mission of GC3C:

● Facilitate access to essential child care resources and education for providers, families and employers.

● Provide support to current child care providers.

Promote and foster community involvement and public awareness concerning child care issues.

● Foster collaboration among community organizations, government agencies, and employers

“The vision of the coalition is to ensure that every family in Geary County has access to high-quality, affordable child care.,” added steering committee member Trish Giordano. “Having a coordinator in place to help us move towards that vision is imperative to the growth and success of the coalition.”

Childcare Coalition receives a grant

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.

Christopher Heath, Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, arrested 01/15

Geary County Booking Photos Jan. 16

RILEY COUNTY– On January 15, 2025, officers with the Riley County Police Department (RCPD) executed a search warrant in the 2000 block of College Heights Road as part of the investigation into the shootings that occurred on the evening of November 30 and the early morning hours of December 1, 2024, according to a media release from the RCPD.

The search warrant led to the arrest of Jessica Miller, 42, of Manhattan, on requested that include Perjury (Testify to statement as per KSA 53-601) – 10 counts;&nbsp; Endangering a child – 1 count;&nbsp; Violation of the Offender Registration Act (1st conviction) – 9 counts;&nbsp; Possession with the intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school (25 grams &lt; 450 grams); Possession of marijuana; Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia; Possession of a controlled substance (per KSA 65-4105(h))

This search and subsequent arrest are significant developments in the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.

RCPD continues to urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward. Tips can be provided to the RCPD via the non-emergency line at 785-537-2112 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777. Individuals providing tips through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.

RCPD would like to thank the community for its continued cooperation and support as investigators work to bring closure to these cases.&nbsp;

RCPD arrests convicted drug dealer in shooting investigation

<b># 3 Ranked&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washburn Rural 18</b>

Myka VonSprecklesen&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

Khishauna Williams&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

Angelina Vasquez&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

100&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Open

105&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaidyn Alvarado&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

110 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jordis Serrano&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

115 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Juliana (Bree) Villanueva&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

120&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Marissa DeLeon&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lost by Fall

125 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kiera Lawton&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

130 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elizabeth Edgerton-Dias&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

135&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Zynlah Slaughter&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Major Decision

140&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Open

145&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caity Dee&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lost by Fall

155&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brandie Brown&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

170&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maddox Butler&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

190&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shalina Hicks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

235&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ka’Ori Herring&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Won by Fall

Senior Night honored 4 wrestlers and one manager

Lady Jay Senior Night wrestling results

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZUcFuy2cUrIYwQ_44Jy1ZZtQ9JthF0Yl_gXE48-ITrYXxnTydbMNq_SAM0RqHO4r7MmHBfHNlBrYHG2y41pZTb9_pLEsG5HC4B500jh2n_bH5s6LjW2cARKMHCWqh-LNhDpEEu7OfMZXRS9lsYqFDxymERCFlt02BcX_J3h84gCLHrFfeGWGyhH9mwBs2Q_nKk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a> boys basketball program has had a banner week so far as the Blue Jays dropped Manhattan High School on Tuesday night, 66-62, to remain unbeaten on the year at 6-0. The Blue Jays, who are now ranked No. 5 overall in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasBasketballCoachesAssociation?__cft__[0]=AZUcFuy2cUrIYwQ_44Jy1ZZtQ9JthF0Yl_gXE48-ITrYXxnTydbMNq_SAM0RqHO4r7MmHBfHNlBrYHG2y41pZTb9_pLEsG5HC4B500jh2n_bH5s6LjW2cARKMHCWqh-LNhDpEEu7OfMZXRS9lsYqFDxymERCFlt02BcX_J3h84gCLHrFfeGWGyhH9mwBs2Q_nKk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Basketball Coaches Association</a> Class 6A Top 10 Rankings, will travel to Topeka High School on Friday, Jan. 17&nbsp;

The boys and girls contests with Topeka High can be heard on 107.9 FM and 1420 KJCK.

JCHS basketball is set for Friday

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Bob Uecker, the voice of his hometown Milwaukee Brewers who after a short playing career earned the moniker "Mr. Baseball" and honors from the Hall of Fame, has died. He was 90.

The team announced Uecker died Thursday morning, calling it "one of the most difficult days in Milwaukee Brewers history." In a statement released by the club, Uecker’s family said he had battled small cell lung cancer since early 2023.

“Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter,” the family said.

Uecker was best known as a colorful comedian and broadcaster who earned his nickname during one of his numerous appearances on Johnny Carson’s late night show.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Uecker signed his first professional contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956 and reached the majors in 1962. He’d last six seasons in the big leagues as a backup catcher, finishing with a .200 average and 14 homers.

He won a World Series ring with St. Louis in 1964 and also played for Atlanta and Philadelphia.

“Career highlights? I had two,” he often joked. “I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I got out of a rundown against the Mets.”

Uecker also befriended former Brewers owner and MLB commissioner Bud Selig, who initially hired him as a scout. Selig liked to joke about how Uecker’s initial scouting report was stained with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Selig eventually brought Uecker to the broadcast booth. Uecker became the voice of the Brewers in 1971, in the second year after the team moved from Seattle.

Uecker remained with the club from that point on and became one of the Brewers’ most indelible figures. Brewers manager Craig Counsell grew up in the Milwaukee area and remembered spending summer days throwing a baseball against the roof and catching it while listening to Uecker’s broadcasts.

“There’s no single person in this franchise’s history who has been as iconic and as important as Bob Uecker,” said Jeff Levering, a member of the Brewers’ broadcast team since 2015.

Even as his celebrity status grew nationwide, Uecker savored the opportunity to continue calling games to fans in his hometown.

“To be able to do a game each and every day throughout the summer and talk to people every day at 6:30 for a night game, you become part of people’s families,” Uecker once said. “I know that because I get mail from people that tell me that. That’s part of the reward for being here, just to be recognized by the way you talk, the way you describe a game, whatever.”

Uecker was honored by the Hall of Fame with the Ford C. Frick award in 2003 and spent nearly 20 minutes keeping the Cooperstown, New York, crowd of about 18,000 in stitches.

“I still — and this is not sour grapes by any means — still think I should have gone in as a player,” he quipped.

“Ueck” got his big break off the field after opening for Don Rickles at Al Hirt’s nightclub in Atlanta in 1969. That performance caught Hirt’s attention, and the musician set him up to appear on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. He became one of Carson’s favorite guests, making more than 100 appearances.

Carson was the one who dubbed Uecker “Mr. Baseball.” And the name stuck.

But Uecker’s comedy was just a part of his abilities. His warm storytelling and delivery made Uecker a natural to become one of the first color commentators on network TV broadcasts in the 1970s with ABC. In the ’90s, he teamed up with Bob Costas and Joe Morgan for the World Series.

From there, Uecker reached most households as one of the Miller Lite All-Stars in popular commercials for the beer brand based out of Milwaukee and Uecker later launched his TV acting career in 1985 on the ABC sitcom, “Mr. Belvedere.”

Uecker played George Owens during the successful 122-episode run of the series that lasted six years, as the head of the family and sports writer in a home that brings in a butler who struggles to adapt to an American household.

In a bit of casting that kept things pretty close to home, Uecker also played a prominent role in the movies Major League (1989) and Major League II (1994) as crass announcer Harry Doyle for a down-and-out Cleveland Indians franchise that finds a way to become playoff contenders.

“I’m part of American folklore, I guess,” Uecker told The Associated Press in 2003. “But I’m not a Hollywood guy. Baseball and broadcasting are in my blood.”

His wry description of a badly wayward pitch — “Juuuust a bit outside!” — in the movie is still often-repeated by announcers and fans at ballparks all over.

Uecker’s acting left some to believe he was more about being funny than a serious baseball announcer, but his tenure and observations with the Brewers were spot on, especially when games were tight. Equally enjoyable were games that weren’t, when Uecker would tell stories about other major leaguers, his own career and his hobbies as an avid fisherman and golfer.

“I don’t think anyone wants to hear somebody screwing around when you got a good game going,” Uecker said. “I think people see ‘Major League’ and they think Harry Doyle and figure that’s what Bob Uecker does. I do that sometimes, I do. But when we’ve got a good game going, I don’t mess around.”

In his later years, he took a serious approach to his health, swimming daily leading up to heart surgery in April 2010. Very soon after the procedures, doctors said Uecker returned to walking several miles and was ahead in recovery.

Uecker pushed to return to the booth and began calling games again in July, saying he bribed the doctors by allowing them to throw out the first pitch.

“You talk about all the things Bob has done, he never wanted to leave Milwaukee,” Selig said. “Above all, he made himself into a great play-by-play announcer. That’s what he did. He’s everything to this franchise and loves every minute of it.”

Uecker’s own career provided him most of his material. His former teammates said Uecker would do impressions of other broadcasters on the bus, but Uecker turned the spotlight on himself after his playing career was over.

“I signed with the Milwaukee Braves for $3,000. That bothered my dad at the time because he didn’t have that kind of dough,” he said “But he eventually scraped it up.”

Another classic: “When I came up to bat with three men on and two outs in the ninth, I looked in the other team’s dugout and they were already in street clothes.”

Uecker also presided over the stirring ceremony that closed Milwaukee County Stadium in 2000. When the Brewers’ new stadium opened as Miller Park in 2001, the team began selling “Uecker Seats” high in the upper deck and obstructed for a $1.

The stadium, now known as American Family Field, has two statues in Uecker’s honor. There’s a statue outside the stadium and another one in the back of Section 422, a nod to the Miller Lite commercial in which he famously said “I must be in the front row!” while getting taken to one of the worst seats in the ballpark.

'Mr. Baseball' Bob Uecker, beloved broadcaster for his hometown Brewers, has died

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Curtis Jones scored 25 points in his second start of the season to lead No. 2 Iowa State to a 74-57 win over No. 9 Kansas on Wednesday night, the Cyclones' 12th straight victory.

The Cyclones (15-1, 5-0 Big 12) entered with their highest ranking in program history but without one of their key starters in forward Milan Momcilovic, who's out indefinitely with a left hand injury.

Jones, who scored a season-high 26 points off the bench against Texas Tech on Saturday, looked just as comfortable starting in Momcilovic's place. He made his first six shots and finished 5 of 6 on 3-pointers.

Dishon Jackson tied his season high with 17 points in his first appearance off the bench this season. Joshua Jefferson posted his sixth double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger earned his 12th win against a top-10 opponent, tying Johnny Orr for the most in school history. Otzelberger is in his fourth season; Orr coached the Cyclones for 14.

Zeke Mayo led the Jayhawks (12-4, 3-2) with 17 points, and Dajuan Harris Jr. added eight.

Kansas: The Jayhawks committed 17 turnovers and were outrebounded 43-33 while taking their first Big 12 road loss.

Iowa State: The Cyclones beat Kansas for the third straight time in Ames and extended their home win streak to 28 games.

The Jayhawks cut a 12-point deficit to five late in the game, but their momentum was halted when they failed to get the rebound on Jefferson's missed free throw. That led to Tamin Lipsey's 3 from the wing that put the Cyclones up 61-52 with 4:10 left.

Jones had 20 points in the first half but was held scoreless for over 18 minutes in the second.

Iowa State visits West Virginia on Saturday. Kansas hosts Kansas State on the same day.

🏀 Curtis Jones scores 25 to lead No. 2 Iowa St. over No. 9 Kansas

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Darrion Williams scored 16 points, Elijah Hawkins added 14 with nine assists for Texas Tech and the Red Raiders held Kansas State scoreless for the final 5-plus minutes in their 61-57 win on Tuesday night.

Texas Tech (12-4, 3-2 Big 12), which lost 85-84 in overtime to No. 3 Iowa State last time out, has won three of its last four games.

Brendan Hausen scored 13 points, Coleman Hawkins 12 and David N’Guessan added 11 for Kansas State (7-9, 1-4). Max Jones finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.

The Wildcats have lost four games in a row and seven of their last eight.

Coleman Hawkins made a jumper that tied it at 57-all with 5:50 left but Elijah Hawkins answered 22 seconds later and Kansas State went scoreless the rest of the way. The Wildcats went 0 for 8 from the field and committed two turnovers down the stretch. Texas Tech was 0-for-4 shooting with four turnovers before Williams made a layup with 17 seconds left to cap the scoring.

Federiko Federiko converted a three-point play, Elijah Hawkins hit a 3-pointer and Christian Anderson made a layup and-1. Anderson followed with a fast-break layup and Federiko threw down a dunk to cap a 13-0 spurt that gave Texas Tech a 51-44 lead about 7 1/2 minutes into the second half.

Coleman Hawkins scored Kansas State's next eight points, including 3-pointers 30 seconds apart, before David Castillo made a layup to put the Wildcats back in front at 54-53 with 9:12 remaining.

Texas Tech returns home to face Arizona on Saturday. Kansas State hits the road to face No. 9 Kansas on Saturday before a visit to No. 25 Baylor on Jan. 22.

🏀 Texas Tech beats K-State, holds 'Cats scoreless over final 5-plus minutes

Junction City won the opening tip, and Maiyaunss Harley scored a layup to put JC ahead 2-0 on the first possession of the game, and that was the only lead the Lady Jays would have. Manhattan junior Delaney Larson hit back-to-back three-pointers to propel Manhattan to a 68-point victory on Tuesday night. The Indians beat the Lady Jays 93-25. It was a continuously running clock the entire second half. 

Sophomore Jelena Depusoir led Manhattan in scoring with 19 points, and Maiyaunss Harley scored nine points for Junction City. 

With the win, the Manhattan High Indians improve to 5-2 on the season, and the Junction City Lady Jays fall to 1-4 with the loss. 

The boys' matchup between the Blue Jays and Indians always comes down to the wire, and Tuesday night was no different. A back-and-forth overtime thriller saw Junction City edge out a 66-62 victory over the Indians. 

Manhattan led 14-10 after a fast-paced first quarter, and then halftime was an even tie all knotted up at 30. 

The second half continued to be a dogfight, with both teams taking small leads but not holding on for long. Junction City led 45-40 at the end of the third quarter. 

The fourth quarter featured a seven-point Blue Jay lead slip away, and Manhattan took a 51-50 lead with less than thirty seconds to go after Manhattan senior Landon Knopp banked in a shot from the left side of the lane. Junction City's Lovell Autry was fouled on his drive to the basket and made one of two free throws to tie the game at 51. The Indians had a shot to win at the buzzer, but the shot didn't fall, and the game went into overtime. 

Junction City won the overtime tip, and Blue Jay senior Isaiah Handy made two three-pointers to give Junction City the early lead, and the Blue Jays hung on to win a tough one 66-62 in overtime. It was the first win for Junction City in Manhattan since 2019. 

With the win, the Blue Jays go to 6-0 on the season, and the Indians of Manhattan fall to 2-4.

Manhattan girls win big, JC boys edge out a win in OT and stay undefeated

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Emanuel Sharp scored 15 points, Joseph Tugler had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 12 Houston used two big first-half runs to build a 22-point halftime lead in an 87-57 blowout of Kansas State on Saturday.

LJ Cryer and Ja'Vier Francis added 11 points apiece for the Cougars, who cruised to their eighth straight victory in their first trip to Manhattan since 1971. Houston beat the Wildcats by 22 at home last season in their first game as Big 12 foes.

The Cougars (12-3, 4-0) used runs of 16-2 and 18-3 to take a 46-24 halftime lead. Kansas State (7-8, 1-3) managed to close to 60-46 with just under 10 minutes to go, but the Cougars scored the next 12 points to put the game away.

Brendan Hausen hit five 3-pointers and had 15 points for the Wildcats, who were outrebounded 44-20 and outscored 52-18 in the paint. Max Jones added 13 points and four assists.

Houston held its previous seven opponents to 55 points or fewer. But against the Wildcats, the Cougars also showed they could score efficiently from anywhere on the floor.

Kansas State has been prone to game-deciding runs. It was a 15-0 spurt by Oklahoma State to end the first half in a 79-66 loss last week, and it was the Cougars' two big runs in the first half Saturday that doomed the Wildcats.

The Wildcats led 9-5 in the opening minutes when Sharp hit his first 3-pointer. That sent the Cougars on their 16-2 run over more than six minutes that resulted in a double-digit lead they never relinquished.

The Cougars did not turn over the ball until there was 13:03 left. They finished with five turnovers for the game.

Houston plays No. 21 West Virginia on Wednesday night. Kansas State plays Texas Tech on Tuesday night.

🏀 Houston rides 2 big first-half runs, routs Kansas State 

CINCINNATI (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. as No. 11 Kansas pulled away from Cincinnati for a 54-40 victory on Saturday.

The matchup between two of the nation's top defensive teams resulted in a low scoring affair. The Jayhawks held the Bearcats scoreless for more than six minutes in the second half to spark a 14-0 run.

The 40 points are the fewest for the Bearcats in head coach Wes Miller's four seasons.

Zeke Mayo scored eight points for Kansas (12-3, 3-1 Big 12) which has won three straight.

Dillon Mitchell scored 10 points and Arrinten Page and Dan Skillings Jr. each had nine for Cincinnati (10-5, 0-4 Big 12).

Both teams shot under 40% and were a combined 3 of 18 from 3-point range in the first half. The Bearcats led 25-24 at halftime behind eight points from Mitchell.

A Bearcats turnover resulted in a dunk by Moore off a lob from Mayo to put Kansas ahead 46-37 with 3:48 left.

Kansas: The Jayhawks' defense helped them rally again from a halftime deficit to win. They trailed by six points at home to Arizona State then allowed only 13 second-half points in a 74-55 win. They trailed by one at halftime on Saturday then allowed only 15 second-half points to pull away.

Cincinnati: The Bearcats, who've relied heavily on the 3-point shot, averaging 24 attempts per game, are now 16 of 60 (26 percent) from 3-point range in the past three games.

Page missed a dunk that would have made it a one-point game, and Shakeel Moore's layup put Kansas ahead 42-37 with 5:26 left. Kansas would outscore the Bearcats 12-3 from that point on.

Kansas scored 16 points off 12 Bearcats turnovers.

Kansas plays at Iowa State on Wednesday, while Cincinnati plays at Colorado on Wednesday.

🏀 Dickinson's 8th double-double lifts KU over Cincinnati

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Bill McCartney, who coached Colorado to its only football national championship in 1990, has died. He was 84.

The charismatic figure known as Coach Mac died Friday night “after a courageous journey with dementia,” according to a family statement. His family announced in 2016 that he had been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's.

“Coach Mac touched countless lives with his unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and enduring legacy as a leader, mentor and advocate for family, community and faith,” the family said in its statement. “As a trailblazer and visionary, his impact was felt both on and off the field, and his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he inspired.”

McCartney remains the winningest coach in Colorado history, with a record of 93-55-5. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

“I am very saddened at the passing of Coach Mac,” said Colorado athletic director Rick George, who remained lifelong friends with McCartney after he hired George as his recruiting coordinator in 1987. “Coach Mac was an incredible man who taught me about the importance of faith, family and being a good husband, father and grandfather. He instilled discipline and accountability to all of us who worked and played under his leadership."

McCartney led Colorado to its best season in 1990, when the team finished 11-1-1 and beat Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl to clinch the national title. That season included a win at Missouri where the Buffaloes scored the winning touchdown on a “fifth down” as time expired — one of the biggest blunders in college football history.

The chain crew didn’t flip the marker from second to third down and the officials failed to notice. On fourth down — fifth in actuality — Charles Johnson scored to keep Colorado’s national title hopes afloat. Asked later if he would consider forfeiting the game, McCartney pointed to poor field conditions and didn’t think it was a fair test.

McCartney coached at Colorado from 1982-94, retiring early to spend more time with his wife, Lyndi, who died in 2013. Following his retirement, he worked full time at Promise Keepers, a ministry he started in 1990 after converting from Catholicism and whose aim is to encourage “godly men.”

The organization became a flash point in state politics, advocating unsuccessfully that gays be denied the designation of “protected class,” a position by the group that drew campus protests. He left as Promise Keepers’ president in 2003 because of his wife’s health but returned five years later.

As a football coach, McCartney’s impact at Colorado was immense. During a six-year span in the late ’80s and early ’90s, his teams were right up there with the powers of the time. McCartney coached Colorado to three Big Eight titles, 10 consecutive winning seasons in league competition and a 58-29-4 mark in conference play, all still school bests.

His 1989 squad went 11-1 and lost to Notre Dame 21-6 in the Orange Bowl. That set the groundwork for a national championship team that featured quarterbacks Darian Hagan and Charles Johnson, tailback Eric Bieniemy, and a stalwart defense that included Alfred Williams,&nbsp;<a href="https://cubuffs.com/honors/cu-athletic-hall-of-fame/greg-biekert/143">Greg Biekert</a>, Chad Brown and Kanavis McGhee.

“A hall of fame coach but somehow a better man and human being,” Brown&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/chadbrown94/status/1877952879794778560">wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.</a>&nbsp;“Love you Coach!”

Added&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BigAlRadio/status/1877963947032371583">Williams in a post on X:</a>&nbsp;“His legacy is firmly built on love, character, integrity, hope, and faith. I will always thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to have him in my life. Thank you Coach for loving on all of us.”

To think, McCartney nearly chose a basketball coaching career.

Born in Riverview, Michigan, McCartney played center and linebacker at the University of Missouri, where he met his wife. He later coached basketball and football at a high school in Dearborn, Michigan. His teams were good, too, each capturing the state title in 1973.

He caught the eye of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler, who wanted McCartney to join his staff at Michigan. If that weren’t enough, Michigan basketball coach Johnny Orr urged him to join his staff.

McCartney couldn’t decide. His wife gave him some simple advice — follow his heart.

He stepped into the world of college football.

McCartney learned under Schembechler for eight seasons, until an opportunity came up to guide his own team. When the late Chuck Fairbanks left Colorado to become involved with the New Jersey Generals in the upstart United States Football League, McCartney asked Schembechler if the Hall of Fame coach would put in a good word for him.

Schembechler’s backing carried a lot of weight, and then-Colorado athletic director Eddie Crowder gave McCartney the position.

It was a rough start for McCartney with only seven victories in his first three seasons, including a 1-10 finish in 1984. Then things started to turn.

His last season with the Buffaloes was 1994, when the team went 11-1 behind a roster that included Kordell Stewart, Michael Westbrook and the late Rashaan Salaam. That season featured the “Miracle in Michigan,” with Westbrook hauling in a 64-yard TD catch from Stewart on a Hail Mary as time expired in a road win over the Wolverines. Salaam also rushed for 2,055 yards and won the Heisman Trophy.

McCartney also groomed the next wave of coaches, mentoring assistants such as Gary Barnett, Jim Caldwell, Ron Dickerson, Gerry DiNardo, Karl Dorrell, Jon Embree, Les Miles, Rick Neuheisel, Bob Simmons, Lou Tepper, Ron Vanderlinden and John Wristen.

In recent years, McCartney got to watch grandson Derek play defensive line at Colorado. Derek’s father, Shannon Clavelle, was a defensive lineman for Colorado from 1992-94 before playing a few seasons in the NFL. Derek’s brother, T.C. McCartney, was a quarterback at LSU and is the son of late Colorado quarterback Sal Aunese, who played for Bill McCartney in 1987 and ’88 before being diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1989 and dying six months later at 21.

Growing up, Derek McCartney used to go next door to his grandfather’s house to listen to his stories. He never tired of them.

Derek soaked up the tales about Salaam winning the Heisman Trophy and how Colorado beat Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl to cement the national title. His grandfather had a picture of the famous play at Michigan and a button to push to hear the broadcast audio.

When playing for Colorado, hardly a day would go by when someone didn't ask Derek if he was somehow related to the coach.

“I like when that happens,” Derek said.

Bill McCartney, who coached Colorado to its only football national championship has died

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jack Sawyer had the kind of moment that will live on long past his playing days with Ohio State. Of course, one more victory would make it that much sweeter.

Sawyer stripped Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers — his former roommate — and returned the fumble 83 yards for the clinching touchdown in a 28-14 victory over the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night, giving the Buckeyes a shot at their sixth AP national title.

“We talked before the game about how do you leave a legacy is to become your old legend. And there’s some guys on this team today that I believe will become legends in Ohio State history,” coach Ryan Day said. “Now they get 10 more days together, and an opportunity to tell their story if they go win one more.”

Led by Ohio native Sawyer and Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for two touchdowns, the Buckeyes (13-2) posted the semifinal victory in the same stadium where 10 years ago they were champions when the College Football Playoff debuted with a four-team format. Now they have the opportunity to be the winner again in the first season with an expanded 12-team field.

Ohio State plays Orange Bowl champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cfp-notre-dame-ohio-state-texas-276477d7ff38e93a3625632d515f189b">Notre Dame</a>&nbsp;in Atlanta on Jan. 20. It could be quite a finish for the Big Ten Buckeyes after they lost to rival Michigan on Nov. 30.

Sawyer got to Ewers on a fourth-and-goal from the 8, knocking the ball loose before scooping it up and lumbering all the way to the other end zone with 2:13 left. It was the longest fumble return in CFP history.

“I saw the ball pop out right to me after I tackled him, I was just thinking, I’ve got to stay on my feet, because I almost blacked out when I scooped it and saw a bunch of green grass ahead of me,” Sawyer said.

Ewers and Sawyer were roommates in Columbus for one semester before the quarterback transferred home to Texas. Ewers helped lead the Longhorns (13-3) to consecutive CFP semifinals, but next season will be their 20th since winning their last national title with Vince Young in 2005.

“I felt him. I started drifting away, thought I was going to be able to get the ball off before he got there,” Ewers said. “I saw Jack running with the ball down the sideline. ... Jack’s a good player made a great play.”

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