The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has acknowledged the completion of coursework and graduation of twenty-six participants of the&nbsp;2025-26&nbsp;program year. Ceremonies were completed at the Columbian Theatre in Wamego.

Executive Director, Jack Lindquist explained, “As we completed each segment and thanked each speaker and host, this class reflected the maxim as the Eagle Class — They accepted the charge they must be fearless in the face of adversity, knowing that the Eagle soars above the ordinary. With courage to fly against the wind, this class rose and will continue to rise to extraordinary heights.”

Board Chair Jeremy O’Donnell summarized the class experience saying, “This region needs vision to meet the needs and convert challenges into opportunities. When we shaped the Class of 2025-26, we sought those willing to learn leadership skills to rise above the chatter to find a pathway as change unfolds. We found this class is inherently caring and are now well trained, focused servant leaders.”

Organization treasurer Tiffany Cutter shared the roster of financial and in-kind supporters including:

Class members recognized are listed by name, hometown, county and occupation:

Abby Amick&nbsp; Alma WB&nbsp; Wabaunsee County Clerk

Alex Bonebrake Manhattan RL Owner, Konza Painting

Julie Bortnick Wamego PT Senior Manager, Varney &amp; Associates, CPA's, LLC

Jenna Brown White City MR Senior Director of Development, Carl Ice College of Engineering, K-State

Lauren Chard Manhattan RL&nbsp; Sports Sales Manager, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce

Raquel Cinco Wakefield CL Executive Director, Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Jayme Coffey Junction City GE Accounts Payable/Financial Analyst, Geary County Board of Commissioners

Tyler Conard Manhattan RL Member Services Coordinator, Flint Hills Association of REALTORS

Eric Fleuter Enterprise DK Army Substance Abuse Program Manager, Fort Riley DHR

Heather Gladbach Wamego PT Assistant County Administrator/ Finance Officer, PT County

Cheryl Greathouse Manhattan RL EEO Complaints Manager, Fort Riley

Chris Herbel Alma WB Undersheriff, Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office

Melanie Highsmith Manhattan RL Curator of Education &amp; Design, Riley County Historical Museum

Bailey Hinkle Wamego PT Business Operation Manager, WTC Fiber

Michelle Horstmeier Manhattan RL Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Riley County

Gabby Jensen Wamego PT&nbsp; Communications &amp; Outreach Specialist, City of Wamego

Maci Murillo Manhattan RL Library Director, Wamego Public Library

Mark Otte Manhattan RL Director of Public Affairs, Fort Riley

Josh Perkins Junction City GE Facilities Director, CORVIAS Property Management

April Philippi Junction City GE Leadership &amp; Workforce Development Specialist, DHR, Fort Riley

Carl Seelye Junction City GE Management Analyst, DOD Fort Riley

Timothy Sifuentes Junction City GE Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, IMCOM Fort Riley

Mikayla Springer&nbsp; Alma WB Branch Manager, Community First National Bank, Manhattan

Bernadette Trieb Alma WB Extension Agent, K-State Extension Wabaunsee County

Brian Zachary Junction City WB Lieutenant, Geary County Sheriff's Office

Marissa Ziegler Milford GE Patrol Sergeant, Junction City Police Department

Board Chair Jeremy O’Donnell introduced the closing address speaker, Cassie Hartwich, for an inspiring challenge. In response, class members Mikayla Springer and Raquel Cinco shared lessons learned and appreciation remarks.&nbsp; The class project, Rock Creek Batting Cages, was announced by class member and project chair, Julie Bortnick, closing out the evening.

&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;

   Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program class completes course

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Learning can travel far beyond the classroom walls even all the way across the United States.For Lucille Allin, a Special Education Early Childhood teacher at Morris Hill Elementary, creativity and curiosity are at the heart of everything she does. During winter break, she came across a post about preschool classrooms exchanging valentine’s cards with schools in other states and immediately knew it was not only something special, but something she wanted to be involved in.

“I thought this would be a great idea for my class to not just create valentine's cards to share, but also a chance to learn about each state,” said Allin.Rather than simply creating valentine cards, Allin turned the project into a meaningful learning experience for her early childhood students. Each handmade valentine includes information about the city, school and the state it came from. When her class sent out their cards, they proudly also shared facts about Fort Riley, giving students a chance to showcase their own community while learning about others.“That’s the coolest part in that each valentine we have sent includes facts about Fort Riley,” said Allin.

As each valentine’s card arrives, the excitement builds and you can feel the excitement in the air as each card is read aloud as a class, sparking conversations and curiosity.“When we receive the valentine, we read it as a class, put a heart on the state,&nbsp;and then staple it to the bulletin&nbsp;board for everyone to see,” said Allin.That visual display helps students track which states they’ve heard from and which ones they’re still hope to reach. In the end, the Allin and her student’s goal is ambitious and inspiring as they plan to send and receive 50 total valentines. As of the end of January, the class had already received 14 cards and sent out 30, steadily building connections across the nation.

That same spirit of connection is alive and well at Sheridan Elementary where Yadira Cruz Ortiz and D'Avona Stanisic’s Pre-K classroom is participating in Hearts Across Our Country for the second year in a row. This winter, the Stallions have created and sent handmade Valentines to preschool classrooms across the United States.Like Allin’s class, each arrival becomes a lesson in geography, kindness, and community. The class also read their cards aloud, shows where they came from, and invite students to place a sticker on the corresponding state on their classroom map. Their goal is to receive a Valentine from every state, helping students learn that even at a young age, small acts of kindness can create meaningful connections.Through creativity, collaboration, and a whole lot of heart, these classrooms are proving that learning truly knows no boundaries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sending Hearts Across America

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged theft.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday police arrested 38-year-old&nbsp;Kelli Wilson of Salina in the 400 block of E. Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Wilson was arrested on a Pottawatomie County District Court warrant for one count of theft by threat; $1,500 or less from three businesses in 72 hours. 

This arrest stems from an original report filed in November 2025. Wilson is being held in the Pottawatomie County Jail.

Kan. woman accused of theft from 3 businesses in 72-hours

As a youth Michelle McDaniel was involved in 4-H. As she got more involved in 4-H, Michelle said she wanted to become Extension Agent as an adult. “I enjoyed working with both young children and adults” and that seemed like a natural fit for her as a career. However, her studies at Kansas State University prepared her to be a licensed teacher in Family and Consumer Science (FACS) as well.

As things happen to many people, life took a turn and her dream of becoming an Extension Agent came true. Following graduation from Kansas State University, Michelle completed an Internship as an Extension Agent in Wabaunsee County.

Following the internship, in 1991 Michelle McDaniel changed directions in her life and was hired at Junction City Middle School as the Family and Consumer Science teacher. This was the time when computers played an important role in the work teachers did in the classroom to record grades, keep attendance and other tasks we now take for granted and are basic uses of the computer. During this time she was a part of a group of teachers that helped other teachers with their technology questions and presented technology-based professional development for teachers in her building.

Mrs. McDaniel, who is a twice National Board-Certified Teacher, was so interested in more things which could be done by using the computer that she enrolled in numerous Integrated Technology Institutes offered by USD 475. In about 2012 Michelle was asked to teach a Multimedia, a computer class at JCMS, which was in addition to two other technology classes taught by other staff. She agreed and developed her own curriculum that focused primarily on various areas of Graphic Design and Coding.

Ten years later, Michelle applied to be a Technology Education Coach in USD 475 and was hired. She said “this provides me with opportunities to work with students (youth) and teachers (adults)” which was my goal as a youth.

Michelle is assigned to Junction City Middle School, Fort Riley Middle School and Morris Hill Elementary School. “I am invited into the classrooms to give guidance, teach, co-teach, work independently with students or a teacher to solve problems or assist with integration of any computer based extended learning projects. The projects include a variety of programs and websites that encourage creativity with demonstrating student learning such as digital creative presentation, video creation, creation of virtual spaces, coding and robotics, and proper use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and many other tasks.”

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club is having a fundraiser on Monday, February 9 from 11:00 AM until close at JC’s BBQ &amp; Grill. Ten percent of the cost of all purchases and donations will go to the Club for their work with 15 youth organizations; 3 scholarships; support of a Junior Optimist Club at Junction City High School and St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools; donations to the Magdalene Project and Project Lift The Burden, which is a Club project to help families who have unpaid breakfast and lunch bills in USD 475.

An Instructional Technology Specialist Visited With The Optimists

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

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in a fatal shooting at an American Legion Hall in Wichita is due back in court Friday.

Darrell E. Buckner, Jr., 52, Wichita, will attend a preliminary hearing in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He was charged with First degree murder and aggravated battery, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just before 7:30p.m. October 11, police responded to a report of a shooting inside the American Legion, 1135 North Hydraulic in Wichita, according t a media release.&nbsp; First responders found 55-year-old Anthony Grayson from Wichita unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:55 p.m.

A second victim, a 56-year-old man, arrived at a hospital by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the torso.&nbsp;

Investigators confirmed that the suspect, identified as Buckner, and Grayson were involved in a fight inside the bar. Buckner then left, retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, and returned. Employees attempted to prevent him from reentering, but he pushed past them and went back inside, where another fight broke out. During the altercation, Buckner fired the gun, striking Grayson and the second victim, who was attempting to intervene.

Buckner was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; He remains jailed on a one-million dollar bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. man in deadly fight at American Legion Hall is due back in court

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

The sale and trafficking of counterfeit goods is a multimillion-dollar criminal industry.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/opteamplayer" target="_blank">Operation Team Player</a>&nbsp;is a year-round initiative led by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/" target="_blank">National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center</a>&nbsp;in collaboration with all major U.S. sports leagues to prevent counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.

<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/opteamplayer">Click here to learn more</a>

Together with major sports leagues, the IPR Center:

Buying fake merchandise may seem harmless, but it has serious consequences. Whether it’s a fan losing hard-earned money on a fake jersey they were led to believe was authentic, or small businesses that purchased an expensive vendor license losing vital sales, intellectual property theft is a real crime with real victims and real negative financial impacts. This may sound absurd when talking about sports merchandise, but has real consequences for medications, cosmetics, electronics and other types of counterfeit or unlicensed goods and merchandise.

Counterfeit jerseys, hats, rings and other sports merchandise may look like the licensed version, but you could be scammed out of your hard-earned money thinking you are spending money on licensed gear. Counterfeit and unlicensed merchandise is often cheaply made with inferior stitching, dyes and other dangerous materials that can affect consumers’ health. It may not hold up to wear and tear like licensed gear.

Counterfeiting is a worldwide issue and combating it requires a united front. By working together — law enforcement, industry leaders and everyday consumers — we can make a significant impact.

Many people don’t think twice about counterfeit goods — until they personally experience the consequences. Whether it's being scammed, suffering harm, or having their intellectual property stolen, counterfeiting has real-world effects.

As the Super Bowl approaches officials warn of fake sports gear

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;— A suspect accused in the deadly shooting of a Dodge City man is due back in court on Friday.

&nbsp;Ricardo Talavera, 41, will appear in Judge Kathleen Watson's courtroom for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Talaverais charged with involuntary manslaughter and interference with a law enforcement office in the death of 49-year-old Ruben Parga-Quintanar.

Judge could decide today if there is enough evidence for the case to move forward and set a date for his arraignment.

Just before 9a.m. August 1, officers and Wichita Fire Department crews responded to a report of a man down near the entrance to an alley in the 2400 block of North Jeanette in Wichita, according to a media release. When fire personnel arrived, they found Parga-Quintanar with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:53 a.m.

Early findings in the investigation suggested Parga-Quintanar was shot elsewhere and collapsed after fleeing on a bicycle. As the case progressed, detectives determined he was shot in the alley and then collapsed nearby.

Investigators identified Talavera as a suspect and served a search warrant at his home.&nbsp; On August 6, police arrested him and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

Preliminary hearing for suspect in murder of SW Kansas man

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 

&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.

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