Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce

Junction City, KS — Turn the discipline, leadership, and determination gained in military service into a successful business venture. The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2nd Annual Vet EPiC (Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge), an educational program and pitch competition explicitly created for veterans, active duty military members, and military spouses to help them achieve their business goals in the civilian world.

Junction City and Geary County are home to a remarkable veteran and military community — making up nearly 20% of the local population, almost three times the national average of 6.1%. This extensive veteran community is a vital part of the local economy. Fort Riley, home to the 1st Infantry Division, generated approximately $2 billion in direct economic impact in fiscal year 2025, with the total regional impact exceeding $4.4 billion. Supporting our heroes as they transition to civilian life and entrepreneurial ventures strengthens the entire community.

Your Pathway to Entrepreneurial Success

Participants will sharpen their business skills through a four-class business education series designed to prepare them for the live pitch competition:

· Intro to Business: May 12, 2026

· Wrap-Up &amp; Pitch Preparation: June 2, 2026

These sessions provide tools and guidance to help participants develop a solid business plan, refine their ideas, and build confidence for the pitch competition.

The program culminates in a public pitch competition on June 23, 2026, from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the C.L. Hoover Opera House, where participants will present their business concepts to a panel of judges for a chance to win $10,000 in total prize funding.

The pitch event is open to the public — whether you’re competing or cheering on the participants, this is an opportunity to support local veterans, network with entrepreneurs, and celebrate the innovation of our military-connected community.

Entrepreneurs in any stage — from concept to early growth — are encouraged to participate. 

The 2nd Annual Vet EPiC is made possible through the support of Network Kansas, Junction City First, and the C.L. Hoover Opera House, whose partnership helps empower military-connected entrepreneurs in the Flint Hills region.

Learn more and submit an application at: <a href="https://www.junctioncitychamber.org/vet-epic.html">https://www.junctioncitychamber.org/vet-epic.html</a>.

Space is limited, so early application is encouraged.

“This program is designed to help military-connected entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable businesses,” said Mickey Fornaro-Dean, Director of Economic Development. “The 2nd Annual Vet EPiC provides the tools, mentorship, and visibility needed to move from concept to launch.” 

Contact the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce with questions. 785-762-2632.

Veterans, Active Duty Military, and Spouses Invited to Apply for the 2nd Annual Vet EPiC

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Junction City High School had a strong showing this week at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and&nbsp;Skills Championships&nbsp;in Hutchinson. The Blue Jays had 21 students compete in 10 different events at the championships.

Individually, junior Brittney Dibben claimed gold honors&nbsp;in Prepared Speech to lead JCHS. By winning the competition, Dibben qualified for nationals, which will take place in Atlanta, Ga., in June. In all, JCHS had a total of 10 students claim either silver or bronze, respectively.&nbsp;

Prepared Speech:&nbsp;Brittney Dibben

&nbsp;Prepared Speech: Kennedy Moreland

Promotional Bulletin Board: Alison Dobbs, Kara Houck, Gabrielle Delory&nbsp;

Bronze&nbsp;Pin Design: Simone Williams

Job&nbsp;Skills&nbsp;Demonstration A: Zane Rock

JCHS Excels at SkillsUSA Championships ​​​

Outdoor enthusiast Rick Dykstra told the Junction City Commission this week that our potential is being ignored."Now Junction City has a North Star to guide us. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just gave you one, a massive one."

The Corps recently announced that approximately 1.37 million visitors came to Milford Lake this past year. "We are a great outdoor destination with outstanding history, said Dykstra. "New soldiers do not see our world class back yard." He pointed out that Milford Lake is the number one quality of life factor, and why they stay.

Dykstra also supports military hardware and monuments at the entrance ways to Junction City. "So no one can drive in the city without knowing we're the home of the Big Red One."

He noted that the numbers provided by the Corps are the "gold standard for fedeal funding and infrastructure.&nbsp; They prove that Junction City sits on the doorstep of a massive active market."

Let's be bold. Let's transform&nbsp; our entrance way to reflect our pride." Let's become a base camp for our great outdoors and finally look like the hometown of Fort Riley."

Rick Dykstra sounds a wake up call

The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library has announced the relocation and refresh of its beloved StoryWalk® to Homer’s Pond, in partnership with the City of Junction City and Konza Prairie Community Health Center WIC. The first new StoryWalk® title will be at the Homer’s Pond location on or about April 1.

Previously located in the downtown area, the StoryWalk® has been reimagined and moved to Homer’s Pond to create a more accessible, family-friendly outdoor literacy experience. Surrounded by nature and a walking path, the new location invites children and caregivers to read, explore, and connect while enjoying one of Junction City’s most treasured outdoor spaces.

StoryWalk® transforms the pages of a children’s book into large, weather-resistant displays placed along a walking route. As families stroll from panel to panel, they read the story together while engaging in movement and conversation. The updated installation at Homer’s Pond provides improved visibility, safer pedestrian access, and an enhanced experience for families with strollers and young children.

“This relocation allows us to better serve families by combining literacy, outdoor activity, and community connection,” said Donna Porter, Director of the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library. “We are grateful for the partnership with Konza WIC and the City of Junction City, whose shared commitment to supporting early childhood development and family wellness made this move possible.”

Konza WIC’s involvement reflects a shared focus on early literacy as a foundation for lifelong health and learning. Partnering with the City of Junction City strengthens the long-term sustainability of the StoryWalk®, reinforcing the shared commitment to public spaces that support families, literacy, and healthy activity. By placing the StoryWalk® in a space where families naturally gather, the partners aim to reduce barriers to access and meet families where they are.

The StoryWalk® will feature rotating titles throughout the year, encouraging repeat visits and continued engagement. Community members are invited to visit Homer’s Pond, enjoy the current story, and experience reading in a whole new way. 

Questions? Contact the Donna Porter, Library Director at 785-238-4311. 

StoryWalk moves to a new location

Marshall-Nemaha-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-
Shawnee-Lyon-Osage-Coffey

 This Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service is for east central Kansas and
northeast Kansas.

.

DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Strong to severe storms are possible Thursday night, mainly after
midnight into early Friday morning. Hail up to one inch in diameter
is the main hazard.

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DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

There is a greater risk for severe storms Friday afternoon into the
evening. These storms could produce damaging wind gusts, large hail,
and potentially a few tornadoes.

Hazardous weather outlook

Kyler Langvardt, Geary County, K-State, Research and Natural Resources Agent, was the guest speaker at the JC Breakfast Optimist Club’s meeting on March 4 at the Hampton Inn. Kyler worked on his family’s ranch at the Cattle Sale Barn and graduated from Chapman High School. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Ag Communication and Education.

Kyler told club members that “there are three Extension Agents in the office located at 119 E. Ninth Street. That is also the site of the former Geary County Health Department.” In addition to his area of responsibilities in Ag and Natural Resources, there is an Agent who works with 4-H and one that deals with Family and Consumer Science, Family Planning and does Medicare Counseling.

The Ag and Natural Resources Agent helps with counseling and advising about pastureland management, lease law, community development and volunteers to help with the planning and execution of events. Extensive material resources are available at the Extension Office and Kyler is willing to individually work with people to answer questions and solve problems related to his areas of expertise.

An example given to the Optimists was a two-page Item Checklist For Growers in April. Information on the Checklist gave planting dates and things to do during April for growing fruits, vegetables and flowers; lawn, tree and shrub care; and how to take care of house plants.

For more information, contact Kyler Langvardt at 785-238-4161. Kyler’s presentation to the JC Breakfast Optimist Club may be viewed on the FB page or on Youtube.

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club will have a fundraiser for a $1,000 scholarship for a Junction City High School graduating senior who will attend a vo-tech school. The fundraiser will be at the American Legion at Fourth and Franklin Streets on March 28 from 7:00-10:00 AM. Tickets for the breakfast fundraiser are $10.00 and $7.00 for children under 10 years of age. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Extension Agent serves as the Optimist’s Guest Speaker

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansans receiving food assistance can’t buy soda or candy with those dollars beginning in 2027, Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.fns.usda.gov%2Fsnap%2Fwaivers%2Ffoodrestriction/1/0101019cbab54047-08a03f0a-e32d-46c2-9b36-524fa331e2bb-000000/0T9ZyQ1ireBQHHUS257jy1tmZiFh3-HIbXcpR_BLOjY=447" target="_blank">approved a waiver</a>&nbsp;for the Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The state joins 21 other states in restricting candy and soda purchases with SNAP dollars, Kelly said in a news release. The Legislature passed a law last year requiring the administration to seek the waiver. Kelly vetoed the law but was overridden by GOP supermajorities in the House and Senate.

While the governor said she supports policies that incentivize healthy eating, Kelly encouraged the USDA to develop a strategy to implement such waivers that reduce “confusion and uncertainty” for retailers and recipients.

Kelly referred to confusion across the country about which products are considered candy and soda. Products people think of as candy may not meet the definition under the law, which has caused problems for retailers and recipients in other states. In Louisiana, for instance, soda made with&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2026/02/26/what-foods-are-forbidden-under-louisianas-new-snap-rules-take-our-quiz/" target="_blank">cane sugar is OK to purchase</a>, the Louisiana Illuminator reported.

The Kansas waiver goes into effect Feb. 15, 2027. Kelly’s news release said the state will use candy and soda definitions that are already set in the state’s food and sales tax laws:

Instituting the waiver requires four elements, including communication to retailers and recipients, as well as detailed evaluation, monitoring and compliance. The Kansas Department for Families and Children is seeking a contractor to help with implementation.

“Kansas is now a part of the MAHA (Make American Healthy Again) movement,” said Senate President Ty Masterson in a news release.

MAHA is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/maha/index.html" target="_blank">a movement</a>&nbsp;led by U.S. Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address the chronic disease epidemic and healthy eating habits.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the waiver approval was a “significant step toward ensuring taxpayer-funded food assistance programs prioritize nutrition and align with the original intent of the program.”

“I’m glad to see this waiver finally moving forward,” he said. “I’m all for helping someone who’s down on their luck but if taxpayer dollars are going toward food assistance, it only makes sense they should support real nutrition, not pop and candy.”

Kansans on food assistance can’t buy candy, soda beginning in February 2027

The Junction City Blue Jays beat the Dodge City Red Demons on Wednesday night at the Blue Jay Event Center at Junction City High School. The Blue Jays now advance to the substate championship game on Saturday.&nbsp;

Game recap Junction City 70, Dodge City 56

Dodge City won the opening tip and drilled a three-pointer to begin the game and take an early 3-0 lead. Junction City junior Khaliel Walker answered with a three-pointer on the other end, and the Blue Jays successful shooting night began. The teams played a high level first quarter, and Junction City led 15-12 after the first period.&nbsp;

In the second quarter, Junction City began the quarter with another three from Walker,&nbsp; and then a basket by senior Jackson Hollie gave JCHS a 20-15 lead. The Red Demons of Dodge City battled back with Ty Scheck and Nathan Schulte keeping them in the game. Junction City led 27-25 at halftime.&nbsp;

Third quarter action is when the Junction City Blue Jays locked in and showed their full potential. The Blue Jays turned defense into offense, with several transition layups, and three different players getting a chance for the traditional three-point play. Junction City's Lovell Autry forced three straight steals that turned into layups and eight straight points for the senior in his last ever home game. The Blue Jays outscored Dodge City 25-8 in the quarter, and JCHS led 52-33 at the end of the third quarter.&nbsp;

In the fourth quarter, Junction City cruised to victory, and won the game 70-56. For Junction City, the Blue Jays had five players in double digits. They were: Lovell Autry (19 points), Brody Boeckman (14 points), Khaliel Walker (13 points), Jackson Hollie (12 points), and Jet Thompson with 10 points.&nbsp;

The Blue Jays advance to the substate championship game on Saturday at Derby High School. Tip-off will be at 5:00 p.m. You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.&nbsp;

🏀 Blue Jay Boys roll past Dodge City in Sub-State Round One win

There is a proposal at the Geary County CVB to undertake a feasibility study on existing sports facilities in the community.

Geary County Commisioner Trish Giordano also sets with the CVB Board. She listened to the proposal, "and basically it's a feasibility study to look at what we have in our community and how we can expand on that." Giordano called it a great idea. "Because if we don't know what our potential is I don't know where we would be able to go from there."

There was a consensus to seek requests for qoutes from different companies for the project. The CVB has alredy discussed the idea with a company called Victus. This could be the first step in finding out if a new sports complex is needed. Officials could aso learn that just a few more facilities are needed, such as perhaps a few more pickleball courts, tennis courts or a soccer field.

There could be discussions on the topic with the community or potentially a survey. Any study could also apply to marketing of the community.&nbsp;

The topic will be brought back to the CVB board next month.&nbsp;

There was a general belief that due to the high cost of a sports complex any facilty like that would need to be funded and operated by a private entity.

Feasibility Study idea surfaces

The Kansas Department of Transportation has begun the next phase of interchange improvements at the K-18/I-70 interchange.

Due to this progression of work, traffic has been reduced to one lane from exit 301 at Henry Drive (Marshall Field) to exit 303 at K-18 to continue construction and install safety barrier.

The lane reduction is being extended throughout this portion of the project and is expected to last through August, conditions permitting. Motorists should be aware that additional traffic changes will take place as work continues to progress.

King Construction, of Hesston, is the prime contractor for this $27.5 million interchange project and has scheduled the entire project to be completed in fall 2027.

Lane reduction extended at K-18/I-70 in Geary County

#6 seed Junction City Blue Jays host #11 Dodge City Red Demons tonight in Sub-state Round One action. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;

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

You can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/D0usL0hgjzE">watch the game live by clicking here. </a>The video is provided by BlueJayMedia.&nbsp;

WATCH/LISTEN LIVE: SUBSTATE 🏀 Junction City Blue Jays host Dodge City Red Demons

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>McConnell Air Force Base’s aircraft are departing today, moving away from the waves of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/weatherstory">severe weather</a>&nbsp;which is forecasted for the Wichita area Thursday night and then again Friday night, according to a statement from the base.

That forecast calls for a slight to enhanced risk of severe storms with potential for severe winds, hail and the possibility of tornadoes.

Air Force active duty and reserve aircrews from the 22nd&nbsp;and 931st&nbsp;Air Refueling Wings are relocating the base’s KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft to several other military bases across the country. This will ensure the aircraft maintain full readiness as they continue to support tasked missions and be available for future taskings, while also avoiding any potential damage from the upcoming weather.

All remaining aircraft, undergoing various phases of maintenance, along with a range of flightline vehicles and equipment, are being stored in hangars as the base readies for the full range of potential weather outcomes.

Kan. Air Force base to relocate aircraft ahead of severe weather

&nbsp;Senate Republicans voted down an effort Wednesday to halt President Trump’s war against Iran, demonstrating early support for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East.

The legislation, known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>, failed on a 47-53 vote tally. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the resolution.

On social media, Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran explained his vote against the resolution. "The Iranian government has terrorized its own people, funded terror networks, threatened the security of our allies and called for the destruction of the U.S. Iran’s ambition to enrich uranium and acquire long-range missiles threatens the U.S. and the stability of the region.

Iran’s continued attacks on American troops, our embassies and consulates, and the bombardment of Israel, require vigilance and ongoing military action in the Middle East. Support for this resolution as written would constrain ongoing operations and potentially put American service members at greater risk. Congress must remain fully engaged through oversight and deliberation, and we must do so in a way that supports, not jeopardizes as this resolution would do, the men &amp; women carrying out their current mission. If military engagements become sustained or expanded, Congress must debate and authorize further use of force on behalf of the American people

On his social media account, Senator Marshall explained his no vote against the resolution. "I voted against the Democrats’ War Powers Resolution—a political ploy to undermine our military operations." 

"Our military’s strike against the Iranian regime was bold, necessary, and long overdue. Iran has spent decades killing Americans and pursuing a nuclear weapon. Praying for our troops and their families—and for a swift end to this conflict."

The vote on Thursday afternoon gave lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The vote forced them to take a stand on a war shaping the fate of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kansas U.S. Senators explain their vote on War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday fired his embattled Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>, after mounting criticism over her leadership of the department, including the handling of the administration’s immigration crackdown and disaster response.

Trump, who said he would nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, made the announcement on social media on Thursday, two days after Noem faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-noem-immigration-trump-ice-b6cb7b575b01cd5325f1a3bd658b605a">a grilling on Capitol Hill</a>&nbsp;from GOP members as well as Democrats.

Trump says he’ll make Noem a "Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” a new security initiative that he said would focus on the Western Hemisphere.

Noem, took the stage to address a Department of Homeland Security event moments after Trump’s announcement but made no immediate mention of her ouster. Instead, she read from prepared remarks, including reinforcing Trump’s message from the State of the Union last month.

Noem is the first Cabinet secretary to leave during Trump’s second term. Noem’s departure caps a tumultuous tenure overseeing immigration enforcement tactics that have been met with protests and lawsuits.

Noem’s tenure looked increasingly short-lived after hearings in Congress this week where she faced rare but blistering criticism from Republican lawmakers. One particular point of scrutiny was a $220 million ad campaign featuring Noem that encouraged people in the country illegally to leave voluntarily.

Noem told lawmakers that Trump was aware of the campaign in advance, but Trump disputed that in an interview Thursday with Reuters, saying he did not sign off on the ad campaign.

Her department, DHS, has also been shut down for 20 days, although many of the employees are continuing to work, often without pay.

Noem has faced waves of criticism as she’s overseen Trump’s immigration crackdown, especially since the shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-4d1499fc5962ab880f3816259e04bdbf">deaths of two protesters</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis at the hands of immigration enforcement officers. The former South Dakota governor was also criticized over the way her department has spent billions of dollars allocated to it by Congress.

Frustrations over Noem’s execution of the Republican president’s hard-line immigration agenda — particularly her leadership after the shooting deaths — as well as her handling of disaster response, paved the way for her downfall. She faced blistering criticism from Democrats, and some Republicans, in the Congress hearings this week.

Aside from immigration, Noem also faced criticism — including from Republicans — over the pace of emergency funding approved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and for the Trump administration’s response to disasters.

Mullin would need to be confirmed by the Senate, but under a federal law governing executive branch vacancies, he would be allowed to serve as an acting Homeland Security secretary as long as his nomination is formally pending.

Who President Trump named to replace fired DHS Secretary Noem

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon wounded by police following a domestic violence call to a home in Wichita will return to court Thursday.

Daniel James Gabor, 31, will attend a sentencing hearing in Judge Kevin Smith's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; In June, Gabor&nbsp;pleaded no contest to aggravated robbery, aggravated domestic battery and violating a protection order, according to the district attorney's office.

Just before 4:30 a.m., June 20, the Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call with a woman screaming in the background. The open-line call was traced to a moving location, and Wichita police officers were dispatched to what sounded like an active disturbance without a specific location.

By 4:30 a.m., the phone’s signal stopped in the 4600 block of West 37th Street South, where officers responded.

Officers found a vehicle stopped along the side of the street and saw a man later identified as 31-year-old Daniel James Gabor assaulting a woman in the front seat. During the encounter, an officer fired two rounds, striking&nbsp; Gabor in the upper arm. Gabor then drove off with the woman still inside the vehicle.

He later crashed in a construction area near K-42 highway and West Street. Officers responded, provided medical aid, and Sedgwick County EMS transported Gaabor to a Wichita hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers also assisted the woman, who sustained minor injuries but declined transport to a medical facility by EMS.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division investigated both the officer-involved shooting and the original disturbance. Investigators are treating the two incidents as separate but related cases.

Detectives confirmed that Gabor and the woman were in a domestic relationship. Gabor has a 2024 conviction for two counts of domestic battery and one count of criminal restraint through Harvey County District Court.

Following his release from the hospital, detectives booked Gabor into the Sedgwick County Jail where he is being held on a $300,000 in bonds, according to online jail records.

Sentencing day for Kan. felon injured in officer involved shooting

<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/" target="_blank">BUSINESS WIRE</a>

KANSAS CITY—-EPR Properties announced Thursday that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a portfolio of seven regional parks from Six Flags Entertainment Corporation for a gross transactional value of $342 million, of which the Company provided approximately $315 million and our operating tenants provided the balance, including funds for working capital and capital improvements. This transaction significantly expands the Company's attractions portfolio and represents its largest acquisition since 2017.

<a href="https://www.sixflags.com/blog/looking-forward-a-new-chapter-for-six-flags?fbclid=IwY2xjawQWihBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsYzZtakF3WTVuRkxQZXZac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkaAETJ4zMV0das0yoP6MkXkVMOgW3h5bzqF6ejIleo_FtIJzLiF41qZtpNt_aem_so5pEBI0IvQUgjNyUMGUwA">Click here for more detail</a>s on what the sale means for park guests

The seven parks comprise over 1,600 acres, featuring 418 attractions across five states and Canada, and drawing approximately 4.5 million annual attendees. The six regional parks that are located throughout the U.S. will be leased to and operated by Enchanted Parks (formerly Innovative Attraction Management) pursuant to a long-term master lease, and the one park located in Canada will be leased to and operated by La Ronde Operations, Inc. following the completion of the transaction. Both entities are proven operators with which the Company has an existing relationship.

"This strategic acquisition represents a compelling opportunity to expand our attractions portfolio with high-quality experiential real estate assets in established regional markets," said Gregory K. Silvers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPR Properties. "These properties embody the essential characteristics we seek: delivering stable, long-term cash flows, strong drive-to accessibility, multi-generational appeal, and significant underlying land value. This transaction aligns with our disciplined investment criteria and accelerates our strategic expansion into experiential properties that create enduring value for our shareholders.”

Properties Included In Transaction

The company has acquired the non-Six Flags branded property names as part of the transaction and acquired rights to the Six Flags brand through 2026. The transaction is expected to close toward the end of the first quarter or beginning of the second quarter, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions and third-party approvals. No significant impact on guests is expected during this transition. The parks will continue their regular operating schedules, and all season passes sold will be recognized through the 2026 operating season.

Worlds of Fun sold as part of $342 million deal

SHAWNEE COUNTY– The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office recently assisted authorities in Trinity County, California, after receiving information related to a possible homicide involving two family members in Weaverville, California.

On Tuesday, a Shawnee County resident contacted the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office to report information regarding a possible homicide involving relatives who were reportedly living in Weaverville, California. Investigators with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division met with the reporting party and gathered information regarding the report.

Investigators relayed the information to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, which then initiated its investigation.

Based in part on the information received, investigators with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 3100 block of Bear Creek Road in Weaverville. During the search, investigators located the deceased body of Darren Jackson, 58, in a compost pile on the property. Multiple deceased puppies were also located.

Kevin Jackson, 54, the victim’s brother, was taken into custody in connection with the investigation and arrested on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder, Felon in possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Felon in possession of ammunition and animal cruelty.

Tip to Kan. sheriff helps in arrest of Calif. man for killing his brother

By:&nbsp;NICOLAS FIERRO Salina Post

Students of Central High School conducted and participated in an anti-ICE walkout during school hours on Wednesday.

This walkout was organized by the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1cad3a04-b1e7-47af-a682-06ef517b2333">local&nbsp;Youth Protection Alliance</a>&nbsp;(YPA), which is the Salina chapter of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/youthprotectionalliance/">Global Youth Protection Alliance</a>.&nbsp;

The head organizer was a male Central student and told Salina Post, he and others students put this together because they are wanting to spread the message that what "ICE is doing is wrong."

"They are not on the right side of things," he said. "We hope to gain the attention from the school and those who are pro-ICE, by showing them we are not afraid in fighting for justice and against racism and discrimination."

According to the student, YPA protects the youth of Kansas by informing them of their rights.&nbsp;

"We inform them to fight for what they can have and what they do not have at the moment," he said."

He said the group received pushback from the community after word spread about the walkout and his response to those people is "they are on the wrong side of history."

A mother of one of the students participating was present during the walkout.&nbsp;

"I am here supporting my child and I want them to exercise their constitutional rights," she said.&nbsp;

She added she does not agree with how ICE is managing immigration, by saying they are "too violent."

"I know countries need to protect borders, but not in this way."

Other parents and adults were protesting alongside the students as well.

Jerry Hinrikus, host of&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=553a2d35-1eff-4d36-a710-8060bc8d8a0f&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p60579132=true&amp;relocateURL=true">KINA Coffee Talk</a>&nbsp;on 910 AM/107.5 FM was across the street during the walkout. He said the students should be in school and if they wanted to protest, that they should have done it after school hours.

"We pay taxpayer dollars and student's grades are not that high," he said. "They should be in class studying."

Many students during the protest were holding up signs that stated "defund, abolish and prosecute ICE."

"You need to ask them, how many illegals have killed and sexually assaulted people? The numbers are staggering and these students don't even know that, which is the sad part."

Johnnie Keller who ran for City Commission during the 2025 general election, watched from across the street as well.

"To hear people say get rid of their organization, because they are enforcing the rule of law and then we have adults in this holding up the American flag upside down really frustrates me," said Keller. "We have kids waving a Mexican flag, so which country are you loyal to?"

Keller stated he is a retired teacher and thinks students are not being taught well, with teachers "indoctrinating" them.

"I think teaching should be about civics, math, english, history and even showing kids how to read and write in cursive," he said. "I would have never allowed my kids to participate in this."

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1cad3a04-b1e7-47af-a682-06ef517b2333">Salina USD 305 released a statement before the walkout happened:</a>

Salina Public Schools is aware of recent social media posts and emails circulating regarding a potential student walkout.

These messages did not originate from official district communications channels and were not approved by the district. Salina Public Schools is not sponsoring, organizing or endorsing any walkout activities.

Salina Public Schools values and respects student perspectives and recognizes students’ constitutional right to express their views in a lawful and peaceful manner. However, walkouts are not sponsored, organized or endorsed by any member of the staff, school or district. Our staff’s role remains neutral, with a focus on supporting student safety and maintaining a quality educational environment.

Salina Public Schools will continue to abide by all state and federal laws and Board of Education policies. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority as we maintain a safe, quality learning environment and protect instructional time. The school day will proceed as usual and SPS expects all students to attend class, adhering to our attendance policy.

We encourage families to have thoughtful, open conversations with their students about civic engagement and expectations surrounding school attendance. We thank our parents, guardians and community for their partnership in maintaining a safe, conducive learning environment that supports student success.

Salina high school students hold walkout to protest ICE

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran launched a new wave of attacks against Israel, American bases and countries around the region Thursday, while warning the U.S. would “bitterly regret”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sri-lanka-iran-middle-east-ship-sinking-69191dde43154c5176a8aeacc9128748">torpedoing an Iranian warship</a>&nbsp;and calling for “Trump’s blood.” Tehran’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-war-israel-strait-or-hormuz-deaths-f1619c6bfbbd5fe10857ff0af073aa0e">expanding retaliatory strikes</a>&nbsp;and increasing shows of defiance came even as Israel hammered it for a sixth day.

The war has escalated each day, expanding well beyond the Gulf. On Thursday, Azerbaijan accused Iran of attacking it with drones — though Tehran denied launching them. A day earlier, the U.S. said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sri-lanka-iran-middle-east-ship-sinking-69191dde43154c5176a8aeacc9128748">it sank an Iranian frigate</a>&nbsp;in the waters off Sri Lanka.

All the while, Israel and the U.S. have battered Iran with nationwide strikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-04-2026-e1c316da4ce809407122590a6872aa85">targeting their military capabilities and security forces</a>. Iran’s attacks have targeted their Arab neighbors, disrupted oil supplies and snarled global air travel.

In launching the war Saturday, the U.S. and Israel targeted Iran’s leadership, missile arsenal and nuclear program. Leaders have also suggested that toppling the government is a goal — and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of strikes. But the exact aims and timelines have repeatedly shifted, and the conflict increasingly appeared to be open-ended.

The war has killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, more than 70 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. It has disrupted the supply of the world’s oil and gas, snarled international shipping and stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Middle East.

Israel announced multiple incoming missile attacks and air sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and Gulf countries also reported coming under fire.

In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, a drone was shot down near the Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts U.S. forces, and shrapnel fell to the ground, authorities said. Six people were wounded.

Qatar evacuated residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha as a temporary precaution and later reported a missile attack on the city. Saudi Arabia said it destroyed a drone in its province bordering Jordan.

The Israeli military said it launched attacks in Lebanon on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group — which attacked Israel in the opening days of the war — and that a wave of strikes on Iran had hit long-range ballistic missile launch sites and other targets.

A drone crashed Thursday near the airport in Nakhchivan, a region of Azerbaijan bordering the north of Iran that is separated from the rest of the country by Armenia. Another drone fell near a school and two civilians were injured, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Azerbaijan called it an attack, but Iran’s general staff of the armed forces denied it had launched a drone toward the country. The denial comes as Iran has repeatedly denied targeting oil infrastructure and other civilian targets during the war, despite its drone and missile fire hitting those sites.

A tanker apparently came under attack off the coast of Kuwait early Thursday, expanding the area where commercial shipping was in danger, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center run by the British military. It said there was an explosion but did not offer a cause.

Since the war began Saturday, ships have been attacked in the Gulf of Oman and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-hormuz-iran-energy-war-5b60e82ef2fc68e2b43aa570a32404dd">Strait of Hormuz</a>, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped. That&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-supply-chain-disruption-8f262bb210710b7509221a3dccf787c9">has caused oil prices to soar</a>&nbsp;— though they briefly came down Wednesday, before resuming their climb Thursday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. Navy of committing an “an atrocity at sea” for sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, killing at least 87 Iranian sailors.

“Mark my words: The U.S. will come to bitterly regret (the) precedent it has set,” he said on social media.

Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli later called on state television for the shedding of both Israeli and “Trump’s blood.”

The statement represented a rare call for violence by an ayatollah, which is one of the highest ranks within the clergy of Shiite Islam. There are dozens in Iran.

Iranian warship was sunk on way home from multinational exercises

The Iranian ship sunk by the U.S. Navy was returning from participating in an exercise hosted by the Indian navy that the U.S. also participated in.

Sri Lankan authorities said 32 crew members were rescued, while its navy recovered at least 87 bodies.

Araghchi said it had been carrying “almost 130” crew.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Wednesday that an American submarine had sunk the ship with a torpedo.

Sri Lanka’s media minister and government spokesman, Nalinda Jayatissa, told parliament Thursday that another Iranian ship had arrived in its waters. Jayatissa did not provide further details about the ship or the number of people on board.

Israel says it hits more Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

Among the 80 targets in Lebanon that the Israel military said it hit over the past 24 hours were “several command centers” used by Hezbollah in Beirut. It showed video footage of a building being hit, but provided no further details.

Another eight people were killed in Lebanon, including two in a building struck by the Israeli military in the Beddawi refugee camp in the coastal city of Tripoli on Thursday and three on a coastal highway, authorities said. The Israeli military did not immediately say who it targeted in the strikes.

U.S. and Israeli military officials say launches from Iran have declined as their attacks have taken out ballistic missiles, launchers and drones. Israel’s Homefront Command announced it was easing restrictions that closed workplaces nationwide, which could reopen Thursday if there is a shelter nearby. Schools would remain closed.

At least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, the country’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said Thursday. Eleven people have died in Israel.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">Six U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;have been killed, including a major whose identity was released Wednesday.

Rising reported from Bangkok, Becatoros from Athens, Greece, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, Lebanon, Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Aida Sultanova in Baku, Azerbaijan, Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Giovanna Dell’Orto in Miami contributed to this report.

Iran launches new attacks and calls for ‘Trump's blood’

SHAWNEE COUNTY– One person died in an apartment fire in&nbsp; Topeka.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;responded to an apartment fire located at 715 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;

 Crews reported on arrival that there was heavy smoke coming from the multi-family apartment complex. Firefighters began an aggressive interior attack on the fire from within the structure. Firefighters rescued several residents from the structure. Four people were transported to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.

One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. 9 apartment units are displaced by the fire.

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