WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM FRIDAY EVENING TO 6 AM CST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to two inches.

* WHERE...Cloud, Ottawa, Clay, Dickinson, Riley and Geary Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM CST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery and quickly changing road conditions.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for Friday night

On Thursday at approximately 7:39 p.m., officers with the Grandview Plaza Police Department initiated a vehicle pursuit near Cracker Barrel in Junction City. Officers from the Junction City Police Department and the Geary County Sheriff’s Office assisted by deploying tire deflation devices in an attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle. 

At approximately 7:54 p.m., the driver abandoned the vehicle near Rucker Road and Fort Avenue and fled on foot into a tree line south of Rucker Road. When officers attempted to deploy a Taser, the individual produced a handgun and shot himself. Officers immediately began providing medical aid and requested Junction City Fire/EMS. 

The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives and Crime Scene personnel from the Junction City/Geary County Major Case Unit responded and are conducting a joint investigation into this incident. No officers or bystanders were injured. No officers discharged their firearms during this incident. 

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Junction City Police Department at (785) 762-5912 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (785) 762-8477.&nbsp;

Grandview Plaza, JCPD and Geary County involved in Vehicle Pursuit

RILEY COUNTY—A Kansas felon is back in jail on new allegations.

Just before 5p.m. Thursday, police arrested 34-year-old Jeremy Richmond of Topeka on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 This arrest stems from original charges of flee and elude, contributing to child misconduct, aggravated endangerment of child and interference with a law enforcement officer. Richmond remains jailed on a $20,000 bond.

Richardson has a previous conviction for "Intro Contraband; non firearm, ammo, explosive, controlled substance by non employee," according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon back in Riley County jail on new allegations

Firefighters responded to a blaze at 1810 Caroline Ave. Building "O" in Junction City Thursday afternoon. There were not any injuries. Residents of 17 apartments were displaced.

The cause of the blaze is still undetermined. Fire Chief Jason Lankas reported that about one-quarter of the building was destroyed. A damage estimate has not yet been determined.

Investigators from the State Fire Marshall's Office and Junction City Fire Department were brought in to work on the case.

junction City and Geary County firefighters responded along with a ladder truck from Fort Riley.

The military and Red Cross responded to the scene to help those who were displaced. Most of those people were members of the military and everyone has been taken care of.&nbsp; The fire call came in at 2:04 p.m.

This is the fourth building fire at the Bluffs since the complex opened many years ago.

Fire causes damage to a Bluffs Apartment building

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.

Zachary Harding, Failure to appear; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 02/18

Elizabeth Long, Outside warrant (Two counts), arrested 02/18

Anyvette Caldero Rios, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 02/18

KeShawn Porter, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 02/18

Rashawn Washington, Failure to appear, arrested 02/18

Geary County Booking Photos Feb. 19, 2026

Junction City, Geary County and USD 475 officials will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

Agenda items provided by the County include a comprehensive plan update, public works updates and marketing campaign. From the City they are spring cleanup 2026, homeless task force and incinerator. The Item submitted for the agenda by USD 475 involves portrait of a graduate.

Agenda is set for joint City, County, USD 475 meeting

USD 475 Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Reginald Eggleston, has announced that the ribbon cutting for the new Early Childhood Center will be at 11 a.m. on May 8.

Following the ribbon cutting attendees will be able to take a tour of the new facility.

Ribbon cutting set for new Early Childhood Center

USD 383 has announced that Shadwin Spilski has been named Manhattan High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal.

Spilski currently serves as the district Athletic Director and Director of Innovation for Lapeer Community Schools in Lapeer, Michigan. He has served in that position since 2014. Prior to that, he was the Athletic/Activities Director for four years at Buffalo High School in Buffalo, Wyoming. He started his teaching career as a social studies teacher at Whiting High School in Laramie, Wyoming in 2004. He has a Bachelor of Arts &amp; Sciences in Secondary Education from the University of Wyoming and a Masters in Education Administration from Chadron State University (NE).

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be leading the traditions and excellency of Manhattan High School as the next Athletic Director and Assistant Principal,” states Spilski. “I am looking forward to working with our coaches, staff, boosters, community, and most importantly our student-athletes. Manhattan High School is a special place and I cannot wait to get started!”

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Spilski to the Manhattan High School family,” states Michael Dorst, Manhattan High School Principal. “In speaking with coaches and administrators from his current school and district, it is clear that he has made a tremendous impact and he will be greatly missed and not easily replaced. We are fortunate to have him joining our team, and I look forward to working with Mr. Spilski as we continue the proud tradition of excellence that defines our great school.”

The USD 383 Board of Education acted on the appointment during the February 18 meeting. He will begin his role in July, 2026. He replaces Mike Marsh. Mr. Marsh is retiring in June, 2026.

Spilski Named Manhattan High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce announced that Honor Screen Printing and Embroidery, 719- W. 8th Street,&nbsp; will host Business During Hours on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Chamber Business During Hours will be held Thursday

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

Topeka, KS&nbsp;— The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to monitor air quality across the state due to the recent wildland fires in western Kansas that began on Feb. 17, due to high winds and dry conditions. Updates will be provided as Air Quality Index (AQI) results are made available.

Wildfires can&nbsp;release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases, as well as children and elderly, are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

For current air monitoring data in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F300%2FAir-Monitoring-Data%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c733bce4b-e7e7f18d-7d99-4039-a962-e0762925b7bd-000000/8YXVV8AYrQaVz97bcc3PdBSU9L8y5gKh0XzjJ_2wbDM=445">Air Monitoring Data | KDHE, KS</a>.

Monitoring data and fire and smoke information can be accessed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ffire.airnow.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%236%2F41%2F-98/1/0100019c733bce4b-e7e7f18d-7d99-4039-a962-e0762925b7bd-000000/8-aaGhhlVkBzBc1Z_lVCVaFX7Zm_qR5oTfWei9Ublqg=445">AirNow Fire and Smoke Map</a>.

KDHE monitoring air quality due to wildfires

The Junction City Commission has approved a resolution to have the city manager, Kim Zimmerman, administer a Build Grant if it's received from the&nbsp; US Department of Transportation. The City is about a week away from submitting an application. The city manager would operate within the policies of the city.

The grant would support Grant Avenue improvements.

&nbsp;According to the City the authorization reflects the Commission’s commitment to advancing public safety, improving sustainable infrastructure, and supporting continued economic and community development, particularly in partnership with Fort Riley, private industry, and local residents. 

The Commission’s support includes pursuing BUILD grant funding (up to the program’s $25 million cap) to repair Grant Avenue and address related stormwater drainage and roadway concerns. In accordance with Kansas Budget and Cash-Basis Law, the City has further pledged to cover any and all potential cost overruns that may exceed the current cost estimate amount of $24.8 million.&nbsp;

City Commission approves a resolution for a grant application

KCATA gets funds to upgrade buses, facilities ahead of World Cup

The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.

🎥President Trump reacts to Supreme Court decision on tariffs

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to identify the suspects who were involved in a shooting that occurred in the 300 Block of Westport Road on February 8 at 08:54p.m., according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details on the crime.

If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

KCPD asks for help to ID shooting suspects

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.

"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."

The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a>

National Retail Federation responds to Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;struck down President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-economy-liberation-day-d3458da225c1fdfade97ed494b23e868">far-reaching global tariffs</a>&nbsp;on Friday, handing him a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a> before court on Nov. 5, 2025

The decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs he levied on nearly every other country.

It's the first major piece of Trump's broad agenda to come squarely before the nation's highest court, which he helped shape with the appointments of three conservative jurists in his first term.

The Republican president has been vocal about the case, calling it one of the most important in U.S. history and saying a ruling against him would be an economic body blow to the country. But legal opposition crossed the political spectrum, including libertarian and pro-business groups that are typically aligned with the GOP. Polling has found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-trump-economy-approval-immigration-border-crime-373766302cde6d45624d6bb738b16231">tariffs aren't broadly popular</a>&nbsp;with the public, amid wider voter concern about affordability.

The Supreme Court ruling comes despite a series of short-term wins on the court's emergency docket that have allowed Trump to push ahead with extraordinary flexes of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-democracy-autocrats-authoritarian-constitution-threat-542ac437a58880e81c052f8f2df1643f">executive power</a>&nbsp;on issues ranging from high-profile firings to major federal funding cuts.

The tariffs decision doesn't stop Trump from imposing duties under other laws. While those have more limitations on the speed and severity of Trump's actions, top administration officials have said they expect to keep the tariff framework in place under other authorities.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to levy tariffs. But the Trump administration argued that a 1977 law allowing the president to regulate importation during emergencies also allows him to set tariffs. Other presidents have used the law dozens of times, often to impose sanctions, but Trump was the first president to invoke it for import taxes.

Trump set what he called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-china-recession-deals-e8e54a68397e6829e1d27552a1d7bfb9">"reciprocal" tariffs</a>&nbsp;on most countries in April 2025 to address trade deficits that he declared a national emergency. Those came after he imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trump-plans-tariffs-on-mexico-and-canada-for-tuesday-while-doubling-existing-10-tariffs-on-china/">duties on Canada, China and Mexico</a>, ostensibly to address a drug trafficking emergency.

A series of lawsuits followed, including a case from a dozen largely Democratic-leaning states and others from small businesses selling everything from plumbing supplies to educational toys to women’s cycling apparel.

The challengers argued the emergency powers law doesn’t even mention tariffs and Trump's use of it fails several legal tests, including one that doomed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-7c44eedbf32bec35fc638e9953db2aeb">then-President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;$500 billion student loan forgiveness program.

The economic impact of Trump's tariffs has been estimated at some $3 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Treasury has collected more than $133 billion from the import taxes the president has imposed under the emergency powers law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/trade">federal data</a>&nbsp;from December shows. Many companies, including the big-box warehouse chain Costco, have already lined up in court to demand refunds.

Read the ruling: Supreme Court strikes down Trump's global tariffs

On Thursday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls reporting a 38-year-old man making statements and live-streaming from a location where he did not have permission to be, according to a media release from the Phillips County Sheriff's office. The property owner requested that the individual be removed.

Deputies located the individual identified in booking records as Steven E. Walker and observed him discharging fireworks toward the street. No vehicle damage was reported at this time.

Walker was taken into custody. During the arrest and transport process, Walker physically resisted, made threats toward law enforcement, struck a deputy with his leg, spit, and head-butted another deputy. While being repositioned for transport, Walker bit a deputy, breaking the skin.

Walker was transported to the Phillips County Jail and placed in secure holding pending further evaluation.

The injured deputy was treated at the hospital for minor injuries and released, with follow-up care scheduled.

Formal charges against Walker are pending review by the Phillips County Attorney’s Office.&nbsp; He is currently being held with no bond, according to online jail records.

A statement on community support from the Phillips County Sheriff

During Thursday’s incident on Main Street, several members of the public stopped to check on our deputies and asked if assistance was needed.

We want the community to know that we genuinely appreciate that support. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and it means a great deal to our office when citizens show concern for the safety of our deputies, neighbors, and the community as a whole.

Thank you for continuing to stand behind the deputies and staff of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office.

 Kansas man attacked deputies during arrest

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</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 — Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith admitted in federal court Thursday that he used the organization’s credit card for personal expenses and authorized payments for a co-defendant’s fraudulent invoices.

Then he pleaded guilty to a single charge of wire fraud for a $6,909.73 credit card payment.

Smith led the foster care organization from 2014 to 2020, where the Episcopal priest was known as Father Bobby.&nbsp;Federal authorities gathered evidence that Smith and William&nbsp;Whymark, who provided IT services, engaged in a scheme to bilk the organization of more than $4.7 million through inflated invoices. Smith also used the organization’s credit card for family travels, fine clothes, meals at five-star restaurants and cash withdrawals.

Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported on the financial irregularities</a>&nbsp;shortly after Smith resigned in 2020.

Whymark&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Whymark-plea.pdf">pleaded guilty on Nov. 18</a>&nbsp;to two charges of wire fraud totaling more than $2 million, admitting his role in the scheme. He has yet to be sentenced.

The 54-year-old Smith faced 20 charges for crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. By pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will remain free until sentencing, which is set for July 15.

Danielle Thomas, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas, said&nbsp;“the discretion on whether to dismiss or proceed on the remaining charges remains.”

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse gripped and spun a baseball in his hands Thursday as Smith affirmed for the judge that he understood the charges against him, that he would lose the right to vote, hold office or own a gun, that he received adequate counsel from defense attorney Sarah Hess, and that the judge alone would determine the length of his prison term.

“Does it remain your desire to plead guilty today?” Crouse asked.

Prosecutor Sara Walton then presented evidence that would be brought against Smith if the case were to go to trial. The evidence included Smith’s approval of fraudulent invoices, as well as the personal credit card expenses that he failed to report or reimburse. The count to which Smith agreed to plead guilty was a credit card payment from March 3, 2018.

Smith admitted for the record that the evidence was accurate. He sat stoically with hands folded on the defendant’s table as Crouse accepted the plea.

Bishop Paula Clark of the Diocese of Chicago, where Smith was ordained, said in a statement that the church would respond to his guilty plea by initiating a disciplinary process.

“I ask you to please pray for the Rev. Smith, his family, and all who are affected by this situation,” Clark said.

Saint Francis, a faith-based nonprofit, was the state’s largest foster care contractor, serving 3,100 children and 600 homes, when Smith resigned in November 2020. The organization nearly became insolvent under Smith’s management, which included severely underbidding a foster care contract in Nebraska.

Among other questionable purchases, Smith claimed he purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/22/former-ceo-of-foster-care-provider-defends-travel-charges-cubs-tickets/">$65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets</a>&nbsp;so he could flip them for a profit on the secondary market. Nebraska’s governor at the time, Pete Ricketts, who is now a U.S. senator, is part-owner of the Cubs.

Smith also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in his wife’s plans to harvest a “miracle” food in El Salvador. An internal Saint Francis investigation later discovered a project manager in El Salvador had asked for a Visa card that could be used for cash bribes for government officials there.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families, after conducting its own investigation, required Saint Francis to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/kansas-foster-care-provider-to-repay-9-4m-in-unused-tax-dollars/">repay $9.4 million</a>. The state also replaced Saint Francis as the contractor for the Wichita area, but continues to contract with Saint Francis in other parts of the state.

“For more than 80 years Saint Francis Ministries has provided healing and hope to children and families and that remains our focus,” said Denny Marlin, spokesman for Saint Francis. “We trust the judicial process and remain committed to serving the children and families who rely on our care.”

Former Kansas foster care leader pleads guilty to wire fraud, admits personal charges

During the recent wildfires in southwest Kansas and Oklahoma, several firefighters sustained injuries, including two who were transported to the burn unit at St Francis for medical treatment.

On Thursday, Josh Griffin and the team at Wichita Fire Department 2B arranged for the son of one of the firefighters to visit his father through the window via the bucket, according to a social media report from the Kansas Firefighter's Museum.

This was undoubtedly an incredible moment. Well done, gentlemen. Furthermore, we are thrilled to report that both firefighters are recovering exceptionally well.

Fire truck lifts boy to see his father who was injured fighting wildfire

JACKSON COUNTY, MO.—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal dog attack in the Kansas City suburb of Independence.

Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a home&nbsp; near E. Bundschu Road and N. Jones Road, according to a media release.

A dog was attacking the victim when officers arrived at the home. Because the dog was so aggressive and the victim's injuries were so severe, one officer shot the dog.

The dog then became aggressive toward the officers, and the officers shot the dog a second time and killed it.

Officers provided emergency treatment to the victim, later identified as 41-year-old&nbsp;Tyler Brennan, until an ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital.&nbsp; Medical staff pronounced Brennan deceased. There were no other injuries.

KC area man dies from injuries in dog attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he’s directing the Pentagon and other government agencies to identify and release files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs because of “tremendous interest.”

Trump made the announcement in a social media post hours after he accused former President Barack Obama of disclosing “classified information” when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/obama-aliens-podcast-area-51-a23f03ebb1b4c3009415b20bec3df26b">Obama recently suggested in a podcast interview</a>&nbsp;that aliens were real.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “I don’t know if they’re real or not,” and said of Obama, “I may get him out of trouble by declassifying.”

In a post on his social media platform Thursday night, Trump said he was directing government agencies to release files related “to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters.”

Obama, who made his comments in a podcast appearance over the weekend, later clarified that he had not seen evidence that aliens “have made contact with us,” but said, “statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there.”

Trump orders Pentagon to release files related to UFOs and aliens

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 20 of his 23 points in the first half, sparking No. 8 Kansas to an 81-69 win over Oklahoma State on Wednesday night.

Peterson, a guard who is expected to be among the first picks in the NBA draft later this year, had shot 13 for 36 from the field combined in his previous three games. He made 7 of 12 field goals against the Cowboys, including 6 of 10 3-pointers.

Tre White scored 16 points and Elmarko Jackson added 14 for Kansas. Bryson Tiller had 10 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and Flory Bidunga added eight points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for the Jayhawks (20-6, 10-3 Big 12), who made 11 of 24 3-pointers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-iowa-basketball-score-2244f41882aa408058620e8506a644a1">bounced back from a blowout loss at Iowa State</a>&nbsp;last Saturday.

Parsa Fallah scored 21 points and Anthony Roy added 16 for Oklahoma State (16-10, 4-9), which lost its fourth straight since a win over BYU. The Cowboys&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tcu-oklahoma-state-score-big-12-d411d5067b05bd3fcf13948a24b82065">were coming off a tough overtime home loss to TCU</a>&nbsp;and could have used a quality win to strengthen their NCAA Tournament resume.

It was a blackout game for the Oklahoma State crowd, but about a third of the fans were wearing Kansas blue.

Oklahoma State fell behind 10-1 and went more than three minutes without a field goal to start the game. The Jayhawks ran out to a 39-16 lead before the Cowboys went on an 11-0 run. Kansas led 43-29 at the break.

The Jayhawks remained in control in the second half, despite Peterson scoring just three points. Kansas shot 48% from the field after the break to stay safely ahead.

Oklahoma State: Visits Colorado on Saturday.

🏀 Freshman star Darryn Peterson leads KU past Oklahoma State 

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZaCxIibUqO9Ro5nAf8MNWsWQAOCXpAbPsZPowB6YH7Hg6YnU6slk-hTZUxqH73m_pap9ayEFgxX9pP4bKvSp28txqd3flLwUq-mRpoeErZeTXLAiKjvLb_t3LAqWGojpJsTwBrNIK1MrJnqBEN2hUlVxMOGpiPothy4l_plL32T5ywsBTJQd1n7Q6tCe_JIZH0&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a> boys’ bowling team captured the 2026 Centennial League Championship on Wednesday. On the girl’s side, the Blue Jays earned runner-up honors at Manhattan Little Apple Lanes.

Individually, Felix Roberts led the girls with a third-place showing, while Ava Wilson and Angie Shannon rounded out JCHS’ top performers, finishing fourth and sixth overall, respectively. Sean McKone paced the Blue Jays on the boys’ side, finishing fourth overall. Andrew Holmes and Jaxon Buchanan wrapped-up Wednesday’s action by finishing in ninth and 12th place, respectively.&nbsp; &nbsp;

JCHS bowling teams excel

The Junction City High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams were back in the capital city of Topeka on Tuesday night for their fifth straight road game—three of those in Topeka. Tuesday’s matchup was played at Topeka High School.

Girls Recap - Topeka High 66, Junction City 33

The girls’ game belonged to Topeka High from the start. The Lady Trojans, now winners of six straight, rolled past Junction City on Tuesday night.

Topeka led 9-4 just two minutes into the game, with all four of Junction City’s points coming from sophomore Laniyah Warmack. From there, the Trojans took control. Turning defense into offense, Topeka finished the first quarter on a 23-1 run and led 32-5 at the end of the period.

The Lady Jays played much better in the second quarter, scoring 13 points, including five straight from senior Breya Allen. Junction City trailed 56-18 at halftime.

The entire second half was played with a running clock, and Topeka High secured its sixth consecutive win by doubling up the Lady Jays, 66-33.

*Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was senior Breya Allen. She scored a season-high eight points and provided solid minutes in her first start of the season. For being named the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Breya receives a $20 coupon voucher from Blu Restaurant, located at 602 N. Washington St. in Junction City.

Boys Recap - Junction City 61, Topeka High 59

This game lived up to the excitement of the first matchup between these two teams exactly one month earlier, when Topeka won 72-69 in overtime.

Both teams entered the contest in need of a Centennial League win. The first quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with each team trading baskets. Topeka High led 16-15 after one.

The second quarter featured an early Trojans run. Topeka opened the period on an 11-6 run to take a 27-21 lead. The Blue Jays responded and cut the deficit to four, trailing 29-25 at halftime.

The third quarter mirrored the first, as neither team could pull away. Topeka led 46-41 heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter brought plenty of drama. Junction City began the period on a 10-4 run to take a 51-50 lead. Topeka answered with a run of its own, going up 57-51 with 1:35 remaining.&nbsp;

Then the Blue Jays dug in defensively and found their offense. Senior Jackson Hollie made a layup and then hit a jumper from the left elbow to cut the deficit to 57-55 with under a minute to play. Junction City got another stop when junior Angel Allen dove in front of a cross-court pass, stole the ball and called a timeout.

Senior Lovell Autry tied the game at 57 with 27 seconds remaining. On the next possession, Topeka attempted to score in transition but threw the ball out of bounds. With no timeouts left, Junction City executed and took the lead. Autry drove to the basket and gave the Blue Jays a 59-57 lead with 9.5 seconds to play.

Topeka advanced the ball and called timeout with 6.7 seconds left. Senior Bryson McComas drove to the basket and missed, but goaltending was called when Autry hit the backboard while the ball was near the cylinder. The game was tied at 59 with 1.8 seconds left, and overtime seemed likely again.

Junior Khaliel Walker, standing on the baseline at the opposite end of the floor, threw a one-handed, full-court pass that hit Autry in stride. Autry finished with a left-handed layup at the buzzer to give Junction City a 61-59 win.

It was a remarkable comeback, as the Blue Jays closed the game on a 10-2 run, with an outstanding final play to win the game.

With the win, Junction City improves to 10-9 on the season, while Topeka High falls to 10-10. Three Blue Jays scored in double figures: Lovell Autry led the way with 24 points, Jackson Hollie added 14, and Khaliel Walker had 11.

*Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was senior Lovell Autry.&nbsp;For being named our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Lovell receives a $20 coupon voucher from Blu Restaurant, located at 602 N. Washington St. in Junction City.

Both the Junction City Blue Jays and Lady Jays return to action Friday night at Manhattan High School.

🏀 Blue Jay boys beat Topeka High at the Buzzer, Lady Jays swept by Topeka on the season

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty scored 34 points, Nate Johnson added a career-high 33, and Kansas State cruised past Baylor 90-74 on Tuesday night in the debut of Wildcats' interim head coach Matthew Driscoll.

K-State (11-15, 2-11 Big 12) never trailed and held a double-digit lead for most of the second half to end a six-game skid. Driscoll replaced previous head coach Jerome Tang, who was fired Sunday night after four season at the helm.

Johnson’s layup gave the Wildcats a 21-point lead with 10:39 remaining. He surpassed his previous career-best 31 points with a dunk with 1:37 remaining.

Haggerty shot 15 of 23 overall. Johnson was 11-of-16 shooting and made five of the Wildcats' eight 3-pointers. Johnson also had nine assists and matched a career-high with six steals.

Isaac Williams IV scored 16 points to lead Baylor (13-13, 3-10), which has lost four straight. Tounde Yessoufou added 14 point for the Bears. Cameron Carr chipped in with 12 points and Dan Skillings Jr. scored 11. The Bears made just three of their 24 3-point attempts.

Johnson made four 3s and scored 16 points, and Haggerty added 13 points to help K-State build a 41-34 halftime advantage. The Wildcats shot 5 of 11 from long range while Baylor missed 11 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc.

Williams' layup pulled the Bears to 66-57 with 8:20 left but they didn't get closer.

K-State is on the road Saturday to face No. 13 Texas Tech.

🏀 Haggerty, Johnson lead K-State over Baylor in coach Matthew Driscoll's debut

The Junction City girls wrestling teams wrestled at Wichita South High School on Saturday, February 14th at the KSHSAA 6A Regionals.&nbsp;

The girls qualified in 12 of 14 weight classes to move on to compete in the State Tournament.&nbsp; The team took 4th&nbsp;out of 18 teams scoring 206.5 points.&nbsp;

Girls qualifying for the state tournament were:

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 100 lbs. Khishauna&nbsp; Williams 4th&nbsp;Place

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 110 lbs. Isha Kagoni 4th&nbsp;Place

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 115 lbs. Juliana “Bre” Villanueva&nbsp; 1ST&nbsp;PLACE FINISHER

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 120 lbs. Kiera Lawton 4th&nbsp;place finish

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 130 lbs. Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz 1st&nbsp;PLACE FINISHER

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 135 lbs. Miracle Simon 5th&nbsp;Place

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 140 lbs. Elaina Twitty 8th&nbsp;Place

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 145 lbs Kimaya Celestin 6th&nbsp;Place

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 155 lbs. Ameris Blackmon 7th&nbsp;place

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 170 lbs. Myrah Gutierrez 4th&nbsp;place

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 190 lbs. Shalina Hicks 6th&nbsp;place

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-- 235 lbs. Ka’Ori Herring 2nd&nbsp;place

The girls will travel to the Advent Center in Kansas City in two weeks to compete for the state championship.

Junction City Girls Wrestling qualifies 12 for State Tournament

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State fired basketball coach Jerome Tang on Sunday night, four days after many Wildcats fans showed up with bags over their heads for a home blowout.

Athletic director Gene Taylor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2026/2/15/mens-basketball-k-state-announces-leadership-change-in-mens-basketball-program">announced the move</a>&nbsp;in a statement.

“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program,” Taylor said. “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward.”

The school said an interim head coach will be announced soon, and that a national search for a replacement has started.

“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” Tang told ESPN in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”

On Wednesday night at home in a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jerome-tang-kansas-state-cincinnati-ed5e3f07a443a74ca13076acdb3e8a9d?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">fans wore bags over their heads</a>&nbsp;in disgust.

“This was embarrassing,” Tang said after that game. “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is just ridiculous. We’ve got practice at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, and we will get this thing right. I have no answer and no words.”

Kansas State (10-15, 1-11 Big 12)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-houston-score-1863f51225b3df1800adbd2e0fb76cee?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">fell 78-64 on Saturday at No. 3 Houston</a>, the Wildcats' sixth straight loss. In four seasons at the school, the 59-year-old Tang was 71-57 overall and 29-39 in the conference. He led the Wildcats to a 26-10 mark in his first season.

The Wildcats' next game is Tuesday night at home against Baylor, where Tang was an assistant coach for 19 seasons with Scott Drew, including the Bears’ national title in 2021.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;announced Sunday night the school is parting ways with men's basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/2683">Jerome Tang</a>, according to a media release.

This decision is effective immediately.An interim head coach will be announced in the near future."This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men's basketball program,"&nbsp;Taylor said. 

"Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program's overall direction, have not&nbsp;aligned with K-State's&nbsp;standards for&nbsp;supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward."A national search for K-State's next basketball coach will begin immediately.

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