As wheat harvest approaches, farmers will have the opportunity to support Aging Well through the donation of grain.

“The process is actually quite simple, the tax benefits are significant, and the financial support to Aging Well, Inc. is impactful,” stated LaDonna Junghans, Aging Well Co-Chair of the Board of Directors. “If a farmer would like to make a donation, all they need to do is complete a simple form and let the elevator/coop know how many bushels they would like to donate to Aging Well.”

Although every donor is encouraged to consult their financial or tax advisor for specific details, generally any farmer making a Gift of Grain can exclude the sale of the cash crop from income and deduct the cost of growing the crop.

“It is a win/win situation for both the farmer and Aging Well,” Junghans continued.

Aging Well at the Spring Valley Campus continues on their quest to raise $3.5 million which will be used to build a new senior living campus in Junction City. Junghans shared, “We have raised or have received pledges for nearly half of our fundraising goal already, and we are grateful for those that have given. Now, we are excited to offer farmers an easy and mutually beneficial way to support the project.”

Accounts for grain donation are established at Geary Grain and Agri-Trail Coop. If anyone is interested in donating at a different elevator/coop, please contact Duane Blythe at (785) 466-1883.

For more information or to download the simple form needed to make a Gift of Grain, go to the donation page on www.agingwellseniorliving.com or connect with any of the Aging Well board members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623452183724.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As wheat harvest approaches, farmers will have the opportunity to support Aging Well through the donation of grain.“The process is actually quite simple, the tax benefits are significant, and the financial support to Aging Well, Inc. is impactful,” stated LaDonna Junghans, Aging Well Co-Chair of the Board of Directors. “If a farmer would like to make a donation, all they need to do is complete a simple form and let the elevator/coop know how many bushels they would like to donate to Aging Well.”Although every donor is encouraged to consult their financial or tax advisor for specific details, generally any farmer making a Gift of Grain can exclude the sale of the cash crop from income and deduct the cost of growing the crop.“It is a win/win situation for both the farmer and Aging Well,” Junghans continued.Aging Well at the Spring Valley Campus continues on their quest to raise $3.5 million which will be used to build a new senior living campus in Junction City. Junghans shared, “We have raised or have received pledges for nearly half of our fundraising goal already, and we are grateful for those that have given. Now, we are excited to offer farmers an easy and mutually beneficial way to support the project.”Accounts for grain donation are established at Geary Grain and Agri-Trail Coop. If anyone is interested in donating at a different elevator/coop, please contact Duane Blythe at (785) 466-1883.For more information or to download the simple form needed to make a Gift of Grain, go to the donation page on www.agingwellseniorliving.com or connect with any of the Aging Well board members.

Gift of Grain Opportunity exists to support Aging Well

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Gov. Kelly will join the sweet notes of the Symphony in the Flint Hills on Saturday.

Governor Laura Kelly says on Saturday evening, she will speak at the Symphony in the Flint Hills in Morris Co.

According to Gov. Kelly,&nbsp;<a href="https://symphonyintheflinthills.org/about-us/" target="_blank">Symphony in the Flint Hills&nbsp;</a>is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness for the tallgrass prairie.

Gov Kelly said the event will happen on Saturday at 6:45 p.m.

By WIBW TVTOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Gov. Kelly will join the sweet notes of the Symphony in the Flint Hills on Saturday.Governor Laura Kelly says on Saturday evening, she will speak at the Symphony in the Flint Hills in Morris Co.According to Gov. Kelly,&nbsp;<a href="https://symphonyintheflinthills.org/about-us/" target="_blank">Symphony in the Flint Hills&nbsp;</a>is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness for the tallgrass prairie.Gov Kelly said the event will happen on Saturday at 6:45 p.m.

Governor will speak at Symphony in the Flint Hills

One person has died as a result of a shooting in the 700 block of West 6th Street in Junction City. Police have confirmed that it is a homicide case.&nbsp;

Police Captain Cory Odell said JCPD officers responded to the Elite Cuts Barbershop at that location at 3:46 p.m. in reference to shots that had been fired. "Upon arrival we located an adult male that was suffering from gunshot wounds. The subject was transported to Geary Community Hospital by Junction City EMS and ultimately passed away from his injuries. "

Police identified the victim as a 23-year old resident of Grandview Plaza named LaVincent Perdue.

The search for a suspect is under way, but Odell said no arrests have been made. "We do not have a suspect in custody at this time. We're asking for the public to please contact us with any information they may have. They can contact the Junction City Police Department or the Junction City / Geary County Crimestoppers to do so." Police have also confirmed that there is no active threat to the community.

Odell noted the shooting incident occurred primarily in the parking lot of the business. There were no other injuries. He said this is the first homicide this year in Junction City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623457133412.jpeg" alt="Crime scene area photo" />
 <figcaption>Crime scene area photo</figcaption>
 </figure>One person has died as a result of a shooting in the 700 block of West 6th Street in Junction City. Police have confirmed that it is a homicide case.&nbsp;Police Captain Cory Odell said JCPD officers responded to the Elite Cuts Barbershop at that location at 3:46 p.m. in reference to shots that had been fired. "Upon arrival we located an adult male that was suffering from gunshot wounds. The subject was transported to Geary Community Hospital by Junction City EMS and ultimately passed away from his injuries. "Police identified the victim as a 23-year old resident of Grandview Plaza named LaVincent Perdue.The search for a suspect is under way, but Odell said no arrests have been made. "We do not have a suspect in custody at this time. We're asking for the public to please contact us with any information they may have. They can contact the Junction City Police Department or the Junction City / Geary County Crimestoppers to do so." Police have also confirmed that there is no active threat to the community.Odell noted the shooting incident occurred primarily in the parking lot of the business. There were no other injuries. He said this is the first homicide this year in Junction City.

Shooting occurs in the 700 block of West 6th Street

Volunteers are being sought by the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce to help with the Freedom Run on July 3rd. A total of 45 volunteers are needed on the race course from 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. on the 3rd.

Contact Dawn Stephens at the Chamber at 762-2632 or dawn@jcacc.org.

Volunteers are being sought by the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce to help with the Freedom Run on July 3rd. A total of 45 volunteers are needed on the race course from 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. on the 3rd.Contact Dawn Stephens at the Chamber at 762-2632 or dawn@jcacc.org.

Chamber seeks volunteers for the Freedom Run

Geary County Health officials have released a COVID-19 update showing there are 38 total active cases in the county. That is down six from the previous report.&nbsp;

On Friday the Health Department reported there were 10 recovered cases and four confirmed new positive cases.&nbsp;

Geary County Health officials have released a COVID-19 update showing there are 38 total active cases in the county. That is down six from the previous report.&nbsp;On Friday the Health Department reported there were 10 recovered cases and four confirmed new positive cases.&nbsp;

Health Department releases COVID-19 stats

During Thursday night’s 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley’s Victory Week social, Maj. Gen. D. A. Sims II announced Mary Sue Moore as the 2021 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Distinguished Trooper.

The Distinguished Trooper Award is the most prestigious award that can be bestowed on a private citizen by the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. During the event, Sims and Division Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Harris presented Moore an engraved Distinguished Trooper coin, lapel pin, and certificate. Moore also received a distinctive red jacket with 1st Infantry Division logo, which she will be entitled to wear at future events.

Throughout the past 30 years, Moore played a pivotal role in the Lady Troopers, an organization liaising between the military and civilian communities, serving three terms as President and working canteen events during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She currently serves as Secretary for the Armed Forces Community Foundation, Fort Riley Association of the United States Army Chapter Secretary, and was a founding member of the Central Kansas Military Community Foundation in 2004. She is also a member of the Junction City Military Affairs Council, working frequently with the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. For 16 years, she helped plan and volunteered for annual Retiree Appreciation Days. Additionally, Moore ghost wrote four&nbsp;Ghosts of Fort Riley&nbsp;books and annually volunteers as a storyteller during Fort Riley Ghost Tours.

Moore’s efforts in these positions helped support the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Soldiers, families, and the local community for more than three decades. Her work helped provide support and assistance to 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Soldiers and their families, as well as military retirees and Department of Defense civilian employees.

During Thursday night’s 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley’s Victory Week social, Maj. Gen. D. A. Sims II announced Mary Sue Moore as the 2021 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Distinguished Trooper.The Distinguished Trooper Award is the most prestigious award that can be bestowed on a private citizen by the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. During the event, Sims and Division Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Harris presented Moore an engraved Distinguished Trooper coin, lapel pin, and certificate. Moore also received a distinctive red jacket with 1st Infantry Division logo, which she will be entitled to wear at future events.Throughout the past 30 years, Moore played a pivotal role in the Lady Troopers, an organization liaising between the military and civilian communities, serving three terms as President and working canteen events during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She currently serves as Secretary for the Armed Forces Community Foundation, Fort Riley Association of the United States Army Chapter Secretary, and was a founding member of the Central Kansas Military Community Foundation in 2004. She is also a member of the Junction City Military Affairs Council, working frequently with the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. For 16 years, she helped plan and volunteered for annual Retiree Appreciation Days. Additionally, Moore ghost wrote four&nbsp;Ghosts of Fort Riley&nbsp;books and annually volunteers as a storyteller during Fort Riley Ghost Tours.Moore’s efforts in these positions helped support the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Soldiers, families, and the local community for more than three decades. Her work helped provide support and assistance to 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Soldiers and their families, as well as military retirees and Department of Defense civilian employees.

2021 Distinguished Trooper Award is announced

History and legacy of the Big Red One were present for the 1st Infantry Division Review Friday at Fort Riley. Current Soldiers of the division plus Desert Storm veterans were in attendance on the Cavalry Parade Field.

Lt. Gen. ( Ret. ) Thomas Rhame, who served as the commanding general of&nbsp; the division during Desert Storm, said their objective upon leaving Fort Riley for the Middle East was to be combat ready by the end of January 1991. "Come as you are. Be ready, you better be trained and ready. Everyone in this division, everyone on this post, everyone in this community knew the vital importance of what we were doing."

The Big Red One served on point as the breach was made into Iraq against the Iraqi forces. Rhame noted that the Iraqi was not only defeated. "But man they were running with their tail between their legs back as far as they could get back into Iraq."&nbsp;

The 1st Infantry Division mission was a success and Kuwait was liberated from Iraqi control.

Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims noted that those at the review were in the midst of greatness. "In the presence of members of&nbsp; the Big Red One who answered the call of their nation and demonstrated what victory truly means."

The review wrapped up Victory Week at Fort Riley and including the observance of the 30-year anniversary of Desert Storm / Desert Shield.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623433423851.jpeg" alt="( Photo courtesy of 1st Infantry Division )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo courtesy of 1st Infantry Division )</figcaption>
 </figure>History and legacy of the Big Red One were present for the 1st Infantry Division Review Friday at Fort Riley. Current Soldiers of the division plus Desert Storm veterans were in attendance on the Cavalry Parade Field.Lt. Gen. ( Ret. ) Thomas Rhame, who served as the commanding general of&nbsp; the division during Desert Storm, said their objective upon leaving Fort Riley for the Middle East was to be combat ready by the end of January 1991. "Come as you are. Be ready, you better be trained and ready. Everyone in this division, everyone on this post, everyone in this community knew the vital importance of what we were doing."The Big Red One served on point as the breach was made into Iraq against the Iraqi forces. Rhame noted that the Iraqi was not only defeated. "But man they were running with their tail between their legs back as far as they could get back into Iraq."&nbsp;The 1st Infantry Division mission was a success and Kuwait was liberated from Iraqi control.Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims noted that those at the review were in the midst of greatness. "In the presence of members of&nbsp; the Big Red One who answered the call of their nation and demonstrated what victory truly means."The review wrapped up Victory Week at Fort Riley and including the observance of the 30-year anniversary of Desert Storm / Desert Shield.

Lt. Gen. ( Ret. ) Rhame reflects back on Desert Storm 

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A blue-green algae watch has been issued for Milford Lake Zone C, which could indicate a harmful algae bloom is present. Zone C is the northern third of the lake.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says it has issued new warnings and watches for blue-green algae in Kansas lakes.

According to the KDHE, blue-green algae warnings are as follows:

By WIBW TVTOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A blue-green algae watch has been issued for Milford Lake Zone C, which could indicate a harmful algae bloom is present. Zone C is the northern third of the lake.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says it has issued new warnings and watches for blue-green algae in Kansas lakes.According to the KDHE, blue-green algae warnings are as follows:<ul>
 <li>Marion Reservoir, Marion County</li><li>Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County (upgraded from watch June 10)</li><li>Webster Reservoir, Rooks County</li><li>Jerry Ivey Lake, Saline County</li>
 </ul>

Blue-green algae watch issued for northern zone at Milford Reservoir

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault in Manhattan.

Just after 7a.m. Thursday police responded to the 1200 Block of Yuma Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 74-year-old man hit a 52-year-old man with a bat. The 52-year-old suspect threw a wooden board at the 74-year-old.

Police did not report how seriously the men were injured or if they were transported for treatment. There is also no report of an arrest in the case that remains under investigation.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault in Manhattan.Just after 7a.m. Thursday police responded to the 1200 Block of Yuma Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 74-year-old man hit a 52-year-old man with a bat. The 52-year-old suspect threw a wooden board at the 74-year-old.Police did not report how seriously the men were injured or if they were transported for treatment. There is also no report of an arrest in the case that remains under investigation.

RCPD: 74-year-old involved alleged assault, battery

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – When Junction City High School Graduate and Gifted Student Alexander Seelye was invited to Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) in 2019, his interest sparked.

As a then-sophomore in high school, Seelye felt he needed a stronger challenge, so he decided to apply. After discovering he was accepted into the program, Seelye packed his bags and headed to Hays that fall. “You’re basically just a college student. You’re going to college, taking all college classes,” Seelye said. “But at the same time, you’re also getting [high school] credits and just leave two years early and start college.”

Two years later, in the spring of 2021, Seelye graduated with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. “It was definitely a different vibe than high school… kind of living by yourself, learning a little bit of life skills by yourself,” Seelye said. “The professors were pretty nice. It was fun meeting them, making those connections. It was a good experience, I liked it."

While attending Fort Hays, Seelye took 15 to 17 credit hours of college courses, ranging from calculus to physics to biology, learning key skills for college such as time management, social skills, and more.

“They all want to see us succeed,” Seelye said. “It was sad watching them watch us leave, saying everyone’s goodbyes, but we’ll see them eventually.”

Seelye will be continuing his education this fall at the University of Kansas, alongside his roommate from the KAMS program, to study in their engineering program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623426347962.png" alt="Alexander Seelye ( Photo courtesy of USD 475 )" />
 <figcaption>Alexander Seelye ( Photo courtesy of USD 475 )</figcaption>
 </figure>By Lindley LundJUNCTION CITY, Kan. – When Junction City High School Graduate and Gifted Student Alexander Seelye was invited to Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) in 2019, his interest sparked.As a then-sophomore in high school, Seelye felt he needed a stronger challenge, so he decided to apply. After discovering he was accepted into the program, Seelye packed his bags and headed to Hays that fall. “You’re basically just a college student. You’re going to college, taking all college classes,” Seelye said. “But at the same time, you’re also getting [high school] credits and just leave two years early and start college.”Two years later, in the spring of 2021, Seelye graduated with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. “It was definitely a different vibe than high school… kind of living by yourself, learning a little bit of life skills by yourself,” Seelye said. “The professors were pretty nice. It was fun meeting them, making those connections. It was a good experience, I liked it."While attending Fort Hays, Seelye took 15 to 17 credit hours of college courses, ranging from calculus to physics to biology, learning key skills for college such as time management, social skills, and more.“They all want to see us succeed,” Seelye said. “It was sad watching them watch us leave, saying everyone’s goodbyes, but we’ll see them eventually.”Seelye will be continuing his education this fall at the University of Kansas, alongside his roommate from the KAMS program, to study in their engineering program.

JCHS alum graduates with high school diploma, associate degree

FORT RILEY, Kan. (WIBW) - Thirty years ago, American troops were deployed as part of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

In honor of the 30th anniversary, Major General D. A. Sims and Retired Lieutenant General Thomas Rhame placed a wreath in Victory Park on Thursday.

In February of 1991, Coalition Forces undertook a two-pronged assault into Kuwait and Iraq while lead by the 1st Infantry Division, which was under the command of then Major General Thomas Rhame

Twenty-seven 1st Infantry Division soldiers lost their lives during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield and were honored with tolling of the Victory Bell.

By WIBW TVFORT RILEY, Kan. (WIBW) - Thirty years ago, American troops were deployed as part of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield.In honor of the 30th anniversary, Major General D. A. Sims and Retired Lieutenant General Thomas Rhame placed a wreath in Victory Park on Thursday.In February of 1991, Coalition Forces undertook a two-pronged assault into Kuwait and Iraq while lead by the 1st Infantry Division, which was under the command of then Major General Thomas RhameTwenty-seven 1st Infantry Division soldiers lost their lives during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield and were honored with tolling of the Victory Bell.

Desert Storm remembered at Fort Riley

The Junction City Brigade baseball game at Sabetha Friday night was cancelled due to field conditions. Rain moved through northeast Kansas earlier in the day on Friday.

A makeup date will be announced at a later time.

Junction City will host Sabetha Saturday at 7 p.m. at Rathert Field.

The Junction City Brigade baseball game at Sabetha Friday night was cancelled due to field conditions. Rain moved through northeast Kansas earlier in the day on Friday.A makeup date will be announced at a later time.Junction City will host Sabetha Saturday at 7 p.m. at Rathert Field.

Brigade game was cancelled Friday night

Junction City used two home runs by Casey Steward to power the Brigade to an 8-6 win over the Sabetha Bravos at Rathert Field. Steward hit a grand slam home run in the 1st inning to help the Brigade take an early 5-0 lead and then another solo shot in the 3rd inning.

Tristan Wolf pitched 3 and 2/3 innings for Junction City, giving up four hits and four runs. Brian Bruxvoort pitched 3 and 1/1 innings, giving up five hits and one run.&nbsp;

The teams play again at 7 p.m. Friday in Sabetha and at 7 p.m. Saturday at Rathert Field.

Junction City used two home runs by Casey Steward to power the Brigade to an 8-6 win over the Sabetha Bravos at Rathert Field. Steward hit a grand slam home run in the 1st inning to help the Brigade take an early 5-0 lead and then another solo shot in the 3rd inning.Tristan Wolf pitched 3 and 2/3 innings for Junction City, giving up four hits and four runs. Brian Bruxvoort pitched 3 and 1/1 innings, giving up five hits and one run.&nbsp;The teams play again at 7 p.m. Friday in Sabetha and at 7 p.m. Saturday at Rathert Field.

Brigade win game one of series with Sabetha

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Griffin Canning pitched five-hit ball into the seventh inning, Anthony Rendon hit a two-run double and the Los Angeles Angels swept the Kansas City Royals with a 6-1 victory. Kean Wong had a two-run single and José Iglesias added an RBI double for the Angels, who have won eight of 11 after completing a 5-2 homestand and a three-game sweep of Kansas City. Los Angeles is still mired in fourth place in the AL West despite winning 11 of 16 since May 23. Kelvin Gutiérrez drove in the only run for the Royals, who have lost five straight.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Griffin Canning pitched five-hit ball into the seventh inning, Anthony Rendon hit a two-run double and the Los Angeles Angels swept the Kansas City Royals with a 6-1 victory. Kean Wong had a two-run single and José Iglesias added an RBI double for the Angels, who have won eight of 11 after completing a 5-2 homestand and a three-game sweep of Kansas City. Los Angeles is still mired in fourth place in the AL West despite winning 11 of 16 since May 23. Kelvin Gutiérrez drove in the only run for the Royals, who have lost five straight.

Angels complete sweep of the Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State freshman shortstop&nbsp;Nick Goodwin&nbsp;was named to&nbsp;Collegiate Baseball’s&nbsp;Freshman All-America Team, the publication announced Wednesday.

The Overland Park, Kansas, product posted a slash line of .277/.355/.482 with 10 home runs, 13 doubles, 33 runs batted in and a team-high 14 stolen bases. Goodwin’s 10 homers tied K-State’s freshman record, as he matched Dylan Phillips’ mark set in 2019.

Goodwin put together 17 multi-hit games, including four three-hit efforts. His 14 steals ranked seventh in the Big 12 during the regular season and was tied for most among league freshmen.

Goodwin, a Big 12 All-Freshman Team selection and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention pick, started all 57 games in his initial campaign, with the last 32 starts coming at shortstop.

He was one of five Wildcats to reach double-digit home runs in helping the team hit a single-season program record 89 homers.

Goodwin is the third Freshman All-American under third-year head coach&nbsp;Pete Hughes, as K-State has had a Freshman All-America pick in each of the last three seasons (Connor McCullough, Jordan Wicks). Goodwin is the Wildcats’ 12th&nbsp;Collegiate Baseball&nbsp;Freshman All-American and the 16th&nbsp;overall selection.

K-State finished the 2021 season with a 34-23 record, its highest win total since 45 in 2013. The Wildcats advanced to the semifinal round of the 2021 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship last week to mark their longest tournament run since making the title game in 2008.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State freshman shortstop&nbsp;Nick Goodwin&nbsp;was named to&nbsp;Collegiate Baseball’s&nbsp;Freshman All-America Team, the publication announced Wednesday.The Overland Park, Kansas, product posted a slash line of .277/.355/.482 with 10 home runs, 13 doubles, 33 runs batted in and a team-high 14 stolen bases. Goodwin’s 10 homers tied K-State’s freshman record, as he matched Dylan Phillips’ mark set in 2019.Goodwin put together 17 multi-hit games, including four three-hit efforts. His 14 steals ranked seventh in the Big 12 during the regular season and was tied for most among league freshmen.Goodwin, a Big 12 All-Freshman Team selection and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention pick, started all 57 games in his initial campaign, with the last 32 starts coming at shortstop.He was one of five Wildcats to reach double-digit home runs in helping the team hit a single-season program record 89 homers.Goodwin is the third Freshman All-American under third-year head coach&nbsp;Pete Hughes, as K-State has had a Freshman All-America pick in each of the last three seasons (Connor McCullough, Jordan Wicks). Goodwin is the Wildcats’ 12th&nbsp;Collegiate Baseball&nbsp;Freshman All-American and the 16th&nbsp;overall selection.K-State finished the 2021 season with a 34-23 record, its highest win total since 45 in 2013. The Wildcats advanced to the semifinal round of the 2021 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship last week to mark their longest tournament run since making the title game in 2008.

Goodwin Tabbed Freshman All-America by Collegiate Baseball

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s and women’s track and field teams will conclude an unprecedented season this week, as 13 individuals vie for the ultimate prize at the NCAA Outdoor Championships set for historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon from Wednesday-Saturday, June 9-12.

The four-day NCAA Championship meet will begin on Wednesday with a full slate of men’s running and field events, including the decathlon. The women began their competition on Thursday with their own running and field events, along with the conclusion of the decathlon. Friday and Saturday serve as the finals for the men’s and women’s running events, along with the heptathlon competition.

Fans can watch the entire Championship meet on the WatchESPN app with select portions appearing on ESPNU/2 on Wednesday night beginning at 7 p.m./8 p.m. CT, on ESPN2 on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., CT, on ESPN2 on Friday at 7 p.m., CT and on ESPNU on Saturday at 5 p.m., CT.

The 13 individuals (10 women, 3 men) will compete in 11 events (women’s 100 meters, women’s 400-meter hurdles, women’s discus, women’s hammer throw, women’s shot put, men’s high jump, men’s javelin, men’s and women’s long jump, women’s triple jump and heptathlon) with the Wildcats having at least two individuals competing on each day of the Championship meet.

K-State will have two competitors each in the women’s hammer throw (senior&nbsp;Helene&nbsp;Ingvaldsen&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;Shaelyn&nbsp;Ward) and heptathlon (seniors&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren&nbsp;Taubert), while there will be an entry in both the men’s and women’s long jump (seniors&nbsp;Jullane Walker&nbsp;and&nbsp;Taishia&nbsp;Pryce) and the first-ever competitor in the women’s 100 meters (junior&nbsp;Wurrie Njadoe).

The Wildcats hold the second-longest active streak of sending a heptathlete to the Championships at five years, dating back to 2015. A Wildcat high jumper has now made the NCAA Championships in 18 consecutive seasons (2003-present) with five combining to earn 16 All-America honors.

Of the 13 individuals competing for K-State, eight will be making their second consecutive trip to the NCAA Championships, which will be held for the first time since 2019 after the 2020 meet was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven will be competing in the same event – Ingvaldsen (women’s hammer), junior&nbsp;Taylor Latimer&nbsp;(women’s shot put), Okorie (heptathlon), senior&nbsp;Ashley Petr&nbsp;(women’s discus), junior&nbsp;Tejaswin Shankar&nbsp;(men’s high jump), Taubert&nbsp;(heptathlon) and Walker (men’s long jump) – while the eighth –&nbsp;Pryce (women’s long jump) – will return to the Championships as an individual after being a part of the 4x100-meter relay team in 2019.

Ingvaldsen will be making her fourth consecutive trip (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) to the NCAA Championships in the hammer, where she has twice earned All-America honors, including First Team distinction with a seventh-place finish in 2018. Shankar, the 2018 NCAA Outdoor National Champion, will be making his third straight appearance (2018, 2019, 2021) at the national meet, where he has earned First Team All-America accolades twice (2018, 2019), including a runner-up finish in 2019.

Junior&nbsp;Wurrie Njadoe, who tied the school record in the women’s 100 meters en route to qualifying for the NCAA Championships with a time of 11.40, will be making her return to the national meet for the first time since 2017 when she earned First Team All-America honors in the long jump with a mark of 6.36m/20-10.50. She missed the entire 2018-19 season due to injury before having the 2020 outdoor season cancelled due to COVID-19.

Four Wildcats (senior&nbsp;Kimisha Chambers&nbsp;(women’s 400-meter hurdles), freshman&nbsp;Rhianna Phipps&nbsp;(women’s triple jump), junior&nbsp;Shaelyn Ward&nbsp;(women’s hammer) and senior&nbsp;Logan Wolfley&nbsp;(men’s javelin) will be competing in their first-ever NCAA Championships.

Wolfley (men’s javelin) and Walker (men’s long jump) will kick things off on Wednesday night at 8:15 p.m., and 8:30 p.m., CT, while Ingvaldsen and Ward will open Thursday’s event with the women’s hammer at 3 p.m., CT.

The NCAA Championship Central&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/gameday/track-field-vs-ncaa-outdoor-championships/trackandfield/20/" target="_blank">link</a>&nbsp;on the K-State Athletics’ website will be a hub for everything regarding the 13 qualifying Wildcats, including the schedule of events and broadcast links, athlete bios and features and all the highlights from the NCAA West Regional in College Station, Texas, May 26-29.

K-State sent 15 athletes to the last NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2019, which was held at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas. Then senior&nbsp;Shardia Lawrence&nbsp;helped the Wildcat women finish 16th&nbsp;as a team by winning the NCAA title in the triple jump with a school-record leap of 13.99m/45-10.75, which is the seventh-best mark in the event in NCAA Championships history. The women’s team has placed among the top-20 at the NCAA Championships in six consecutive seasons.

The men’s team finished tied for 26th&nbsp;with 12 points, which included a second-place finish by then sophomore&nbsp;Tejaswin Shankar&nbsp;in the high jump, a sixth-place finish by junior&nbsp;Aaron Booth&nbsp;in the decathlon and an eighth-place finish by senior&nbsp;Brett Neely&nbsp;in the discus.

Three Wildcats –&nbsp;Taylor Latimer,&nbsp;Tejaswin Shankar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert&nbsp;– were First Team All-Americans in their respective events in 2019.&nbsp;The 2018 NCAA Outdoor High Jump champion and a two-time First Team All-American, Shankar was the runner-up to LSU’s&nbsp;JuVaughn Harrison&nbsp;on misses with a mark of 2.27m, while Latimer finished in fourth place in the shot put with a toss of 17.67m./57-11.75 and Taubert placed eighth in the heptathlon with a score of 5,793 points, both in their first NCAA Outdoor appearances.

Taishia Pryce&nbsp;will look to match or better her effort in the long jump from the indoor season after earning First Team All-America honors on March 12 with a leap of 6.48m/21-3 ¼ to register a seventh-place finish.

Other Returning Wildcat Finishes in 2019

The other four Wildcat returners –&nbsp;Helene Ingvaldsen,&nbsp;Ariel Okorie,&nbsp;Ashley Petr&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jullane Walker&nbsp;– from the 2019 Outdoor Championships did not earn First or Second Team All-America honors. Okorie was 18th&nbsp;in the heptathlon with 5,439 points, while Petr (discus/51.80m/169-11) and Walker (long jump/7.44m/24-05) were each 19th&nbsp;in the respective event and Ingvaldsen was 21st&nbsp;in the hammer with a throw of 60.69m/199-01.

Seniors&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert&nbsp;punched their tickets to the national meet in the heptathlon after posting scores that ranked among the top-24 nationally during the regular season. Taubert currently ranks eighth in the event after scoring 5,831 points at the Jim Click Invitational on April 10, while Okorie is 17th&nbsp;after scoring 5,661 points at the Big 12 Championships May 14-15. K-State and Duke are the only schools to have multiple entries in the heptathlon.

It will mark the second consecutive appearance for Okorie and Taubert in the event at the NCAA Outdoor Championship after each advanced in 2019. Taubert earned First Team All-America honors with an eighth-place finish with 5,793 points, while Okorie finished 18th&nbsp;with 5,439 points.

K-State has had an athlete earn All-America honors in the heptathlon in each of the last 5 national meets.

Almost half of the K-State team advancing to the NCAA Championships are from the throwing events, including a pair in the women’s hammer throw (Helene Ingvaldsen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Shaelyn Ward) and one each in the women’s shot put (Taylor Latimer), women’s discus (Ashley Petr) and men’s javelin (Logan Wolfley).

The Wildcats have now advanced more than one hammer throw in four of the last five national meets, but the first time since 2018 when Ingvaldsen was joined by&nbsp;Janee Kassanavoid. Latimer and Petr are both making return trips to nationals in their respective events, as Latimer is the first Wildcat to advance in the shot put in consecutive national meets since&nbsp;Dani Winters&nbsp;in 2015 and 2016.

Wolfley is the first Wildcat to advance to the national meet in the javelin since&nbsp;Ivan Hartung&nbsp;earned All-America honors with a 16th-place finish in 2014.

8:15 pm –&nbsp;Logan Wolfley, Men’s Javelin

8:30 pm –&nbsp;Jullane Walker, Men’s Long Jump

3:00 pm –&nbsp;Helene Ingvaldsen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Shaelyn Ward, Women’s Hammer

6:46 pm –&nbsp;Wurrie Njadoe, Women’s 100 meters (semifinals)

7:00 pm –&nbsp;Taishia Pryce, Women’s Long Jump

7:30 pm –&nbsp;Kimisha Chambers, Women’s 400-meter Hurdles (semifinals)

7:40 pm –&nbsp;Taylor Latimer, Women’s Shot Put

2:00 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, 100-meter Hurdles (heptathlon)

3:00 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, High Jump (heptathlon)

5:00 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, Shot Put (heptathlon)

6:30 pm –&nbsp;Tejaswin Shankar, Men’s High Jump

7:43 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, 200 meters (heptathlon)

1:00 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, Long Jump (heptathlon)

2:15 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, Javelin (heptathlon)

4:35 pm –&nbsp;Ashley Petr, Women’s Discus

5:20 pm –&nbsp;Rhianna Phipps, Women’s Triple Jump

5:52 pm –&nbsp;Wurrie Njadoe, Women’s 100 meters (if advances)

6:27 pm –&nbsp;Kimisha Chambers, Women’s 400-meter Hurdles (semifinals)

6:43 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, 800 meters (heptathlon)

For the latest on K-State Track and Field follow @kstatesports and @KStateTFXC on Twitter or Kansas State Track &amp; Field/Cross Country on Facebook.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s and women’s track and field teams will conclude an unprecedented season this week, as 13 individuals vie for the ultimate prize at the NCAA Outdoor Championships set for historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon from Wednesday-Saturday, June 9-12.The four-day NCAA Championship meet will begin on Wednesday with a full slate of men’s running and field events, including the decathlon. The women began their competition on Thursday with their own running and field events, along with the conclusion of the decathlon. Friday and Saturday serve as the finals for the men’s and women’s running events, along with the heptathlon competition.Fans can watch the entire Championship meet on the WatchESPN app with select portions appearing on ESPNU/2 on Wednesday night beginning at 7 p.m./8 p.m. CT, on ESPN2 on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., CT, on ESPN2 on Friday at 7 p.m., CT and on ESPNU on Saturday at 5 p.m., CT.The 13 individuals (10 women, 3 men) will compete in 11 events (women’s 100 meters, women’s 400-meter hurdles, women’s discus, women’s hammer throw, women’s shot put, men’s high jump, men’s javelin, men’s and women’s long jump, women’s triple jump and heptathlon) with the Wildcats having at least two individuals competing on each day of the Championship meet.K-State will have two competitors each in the women’s hammer throw (senior&nbsp;Helene&nbsp;Ingvaldsen&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;Shaelyn&nbsp;Ward) and heptathlon (seniors&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren&nbsp;Taubert), while there will be an entry in both the men’s and women’s long jump (seniors&nbsp;Jullane Walker&nbsp;and&nbsp;Taishia&nbsp;Pryce) and the first-ever competitor in the women’s 100 meters (junior&nbsp;Wurrie Njadoe).The Wildcats hold the second-longest active streak of sending a heptathlete to the Championships at five years, dating back to 2015. A Wildcat high jumper has now made the NCAA Championships in 18 consecutive seasons (2003-present) with five combining to earn 16 All-America honors.Of the 13 individuals competing for K-State, eight will be making their second consecutive trip to the NCAA Championships, which will be held for the first time since 2019 after the 2020 meet was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven will be competing in the same event – Ingvaldsen (women’s hammer), junior&nbsp;Taylor Latimer&nbsp;(women’s shot put), Okorie (heptathlon), senior&nbsp;Ashley Petr&nbsp;(women’s discus), junior&nbsp;Tejaswin Shankar&nbsp;(men’s high jump), Taubert&nbsp;(heptathlon) and Walker (men’s long jump) – while the eighth –&nbsp;Pryce (women’s long jump) – will return to the Championships as an individual after being a part of the 4x100-meter relay team in 2019.Ingvaldsen will be making her fourth consecutive trip (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) to the NCAA Championships in the hammer, where she has twice earned All-America honors, including First Team distinction with a seventh-place finish in 2018. Shankar, the 2018 NCAA Outdoor National Champion, will be making his third straight appearance (2018, 2019, 2021) at the national meet, where he has earned First Team All-America accolades twice (2018, 2019), including a runner-up finish in 2019.Junior&nbsp;Wurrie Njadoe, who tied the school record in the women’s 100 meters en route to qualifying for the NCAA Championships with a time of 11.40, will be making her return to the national meet for the first time since 2017 when she earned First Team All-America honors in the long jump with a mark of 6.36m/20-10.50. She missed the entire 2018-19 season due to injury before having the 2020 outdoor season cancelled due to COVID-19.Four Wildcats (senior&nbsp;Kimisha Chambers&nbsp;(women’s 400-meter hurdles), freshman&nbsp;Rhianna Phipps&nbsp;(women’s triple jump), junior&nbsp;Shaelyn Ward&nbsp;(women’s hammer) and senior&nbsp;Logan Wolfley&nbsp;(men’s javelin) will be competing in their first-ever NCAA Championships.Wolfley (men’s javelin) and Walker (men’s long jump) will kick things off on Wednesday night at 8:15 p.m., and 8:30 p.m., CT, while Ingvaldsen and Ward will open Thursday’s event with the women’s hammer at 3 p.m., CT.The NCAA Championship Central&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/gameday/track-field-vs-ncaa-outdoor-championships/trackandfield/20/" target="_blank">link</a>&nbsp;on the K-State Athletics’ website will be a hub for everything regarding the 13 qualifying Wildcats, including the schedule of events and broadcast links, athlete bios and features and all the highlights from the NCAA West Regional in College Station, Texas, May 26-29.The Last TimeK-State sent 15 athletes to the last NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2019, which was held at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas. Then senior&nbsp;Shardia Lawrence&nbsp;helped the Wildcat women finish 16th&nbsp;as a team by winning the NCAA title in the triple jump with a school-record leap of 13.99m/45-10.75, which is the seventh-best mark in the event in NCAA Championships history. The women’s team has placed among the top-20 at the NCAA Championships in six consecutive seasons.The men’s team finished tied for 26th&nbsp;with 12 points, which included a second-place finish by then sophomore&nbsp;Tejaswin Shankar&nbsp;in the high jump, a sixth-place finish by junior&nbsp;Aaron Booth&nbsp;in the decathlon and an eighth-place finish by senior&nbsp;Brett Neely&nbsp;in the discus.Returning All-AmericansThree Wildcats –&nbsp;Taylor Latimer,&nbsp;Tejaswin Shankar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert&nbsp;– were First Team All-Americans in their respective events in 2019.&nbsp;The 2018 NCAA Outdoor High Jump champion and a two-time First Team All-American, Shankar was the runner-up to LSU’s&nbsp;JuVaughn Harrison&nbsp;on misses with a mark of 2.27m, while Latimer finished in fourth place in the shot put with a toss of 17.67m./57-11.75 and Taubert placed eighth in the heptathlon with a score of 5,793 points, both in their first NCAA Outdoor appearances.Taishia Pryce&nbsp;will look to match or better her effort in the long jump from the indoor season after earning First Team All-America honors on March 12 with a leap of 6.48m/21-3 ¼ to register a seventh-place finish.Other Returning Wildcat Finishes in 2019The other four Wildcat returners –&nbsp;Helene Ingvaldsen,&nbsp;Ariel Okorie,&nbsp;Ashley Petr&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jullane Walker&nbsp;– from the 2019 Outdoor Championships did not earn First or Second Team All-America honors. Okorie was 18th&nbsp;in the heptathlon with 5,439 points, while Petr (discus/51.80m/169-11) and Walker (long jump/7.44m/24-05) were each 19th&nbsp;in the respective event and Ingvaldsen was 21st&nbsp;in the hammer with a throw of 60.69m/199-01.Okorie, Taubert Set for NCAAsSeniors&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert&nbsp;punched their tickets to the national meet in the heptathlon after posting scores that ranked among the top-24 nationally during the regular season. Taubert currently ranks eighth in the event after scoring 5,831 points at the Jim Click Invitational on April 10, while Okorie is 17th&nbsp;after scoring 5,661 points at the Big 12 Championships May 14-15. K-State and Duke are the only schools to have multiple entries in the heptathlon.It will mark the second consecutive appearance for Okorie and Taubert in the event at the NCAA Outdoor Championship after each advanced in 2019. Taubert earned First Team All-America honors with an eighth-place finish with 5,793 points, while Okorie finished 18th&nbsp;with 5,439 points.K-State has had an athlete earn All-America honors in the heptathlon in each of the last 5 national meets.Throw Cats ExcelAlmost half of the K-State team advancing to the NCAA Championships are from the throwing events, including a pair in the women’s hammer throw (Helene Ingvaldsen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Shaelyn Ward) and one each in the women’s shot put (Taylor Latimer), women’s discus (Ashley Petr) and men’s javelin (Logan Wolfley).The Wildcats have now advanced more than one hammer throw in four of the last five national meets, but the first time since 2018 when Ingvaldsen was joined by&nbsp;Janee Kassanavoid. Latimer and Petr are both making return trips to nationals in their respective events, as Latimer is the first Wildcat to advance in the shot put in consecutive national meets since&nbsp;Dani Winters&nbsp;in 2015 and 2016.Wolfley is the first Wildcat to advance to the national meet in the javelin since&nbsp;Ivan Hartung&nbsp;earned All-America honors with a 16th-place finish in 2014.Schedule of EventsWednesday, June 98:15 pm –&nbsp;Logan Wolfley, Men’s Javelin8:30 pm –&nbsp;Jullane Walker, Men’s Long JumpThursday, June 103:00 pm –&nbsp;Helene Ingvaldsen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Shaelyn Ward, Women’s Hammer6:46 pm –&nbsp;Wurrie Njadoe, Women’s 100 meters (semifinals)7:00 pm –&nbsp;Taishia Pryce, Women’s Long Jump7:30 pm –&nbsp;Kimisha Chambers, Women’s 400-meter Hurdles (semifinals)7:40 pm –&nbsp;Taylor Latimer, Women’s Shot PutFriday, June 112:00 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, 100-meter Hurdles (heptathlon)3:00 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, High Jump (heptathlon)5:00 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, Shot Put (heptathlon)6:30 pm –&nbsp;Tejaswin Shankar, Men’s High Jump7:43 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, 200 meters (heptathlon)Saturday, May 291:00 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, Long Jump (heptathlon)2:15 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, Javelin (heptathlon)4:35 pm –&nbsp;Ashley Petr, Women’s Discus5:20 pm –&nbsp;Rhianna Phipps, Women’s Triple Jump5:52 pm –&nbsp;Wurrie Njadoe, Women’s 100 meters (if advances)6:27 pm –&nbsp;Kimisha Chambers, Women’s 400-meter Hurdles (semifinals)6:43 pm –&nbsp;Ariel Okorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lauren Taubert, 800 meters (heptathlon)For the latest on K-State Track and Field follow @kstatesports and @KStateTFXC on Twitter or Kansas State Track &amp; Field/Cross Country on Facebook.

13 Wildcats Vie for Glory at NCAA Outdoor Championships Starting Wednesday

Junction City rallied from an early 3-0 deficit to defeat the Topeka Golden Giants 5-3 in summer collegiate baseball at Rathert Field. Junction City improved to 3-2 with the win.

The Brigade host the Sabetha Bravos at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Junction City rallied from an early 3-0 deficit to defeat the Topeka Golden Giants 5-3 in summer collegiate baseball at Rathert Field. Junction City improved to 3-2 with the win.The Brigade host the Sabetha Bravos at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Brigade rally for win over the Golden Giants

The Junction City Brigade host the Topeka Golden Giants in Mid-Plains League action from Rathert Field in Junction City. Jackson Schneider will be on the call for JCPost.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jSUMSzg6XoQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption>The Junction City Brigade host the Topeka Golden Giants </figcaption>
 </figure>The Junction City Brigade host the Topeka Golden Giants in Mid-Plains League action from Rathert Field in Junction City. Jackson Schneider will be on the call for JCPost.com.&nbsp;

LIVE: Brigade host Golden Giants

LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - The Jayhawks will faceoff against the Mizzou Tigers in early December to renew the Border Showdown.

The University of Kansas says nationally ranked non-conference schedules are common for the Jayhawks, and the 2021-22 slate continues more traditions. It said the Jayhawks led the country in strength of schedule in two of the last three seasons and five times overall during Coach Bill Self’s 18 seasons. Additionally, it said it has placed in the top 10 in strength of schedule 11 times under Self, including top-two ranking in six of the last eight seasons.

As usual, KU said the non-conference part of the schedule will top off with the Champions Classic. It said the 2021 Classic will be held in New York’s Madison Square Garden and the Jayhawks will face off against Michigan State. It said the non-conference schedule also highlights games in Allen Fieldhouse against Mizzou in the rebirth of the Border Showdown.

By WIBW TVLAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - The Jayhawks will faceoff against the Mizzou Tigers in early December to renew the Border Showdown.The University of Kansas says nationally ranked non-conference schedules are common for the Jayhawks, and the 2021-22 slate continues more traditions. It said the Jayhawks led the country in strength of schedule in two of the last three seasons and five times overall during Coach Bill Self’s 18 seasons. Additionally, it said it has placed in the top 10 in strength of schedule 11 times under Self, including top-two ranking in six of the last eight seasons.As usual, KU said the non-conference part of the schedule will top off with the Champions Classic. It said the 2021 Classic will be held in New York’s Madison Square Garden and the Jayhawks will face off against Michigan State. It said the non-conference schedule also highlights games in Allen Fieldhouse against Mizzou in the rebirth of the Border Showdown.

KU and Missouri to resume play in basketball non-conference action

The Junction City Brigade defeated the Topeka Golden Giants 20-8 Monday evening in Mid-Plains League baseball. The two teams will play again Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at Rathert Field.

The Junction City Brigade defeated the Topeka Golden Giants 20-8 Monday evening in Mid-Plains League baseball. The two teams will play again Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at Rathert Field.

Brigade defeat the Golden Giants

Junction City ( 1-2 ) was defeated by Baldwin City ( 2-1 ) 15-14 in summer collegiate baseball Saturday night in Baldwin City.

Junction City will play at the Topeka Golden Giants at 7 p.m. Monday

Junction City ( 1-2 ) was defeated by Baldwin City ( 2-1 ) 15-14 in summer collegiate baseball Saturday night in Baldwin City.Junction City will play at the Topeka Golden Giants at 7 p.m. Monday

Brigade fall to Baldwin City

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter on Friday urging Senate President Ty Masterson and members of the Legislative Coordinating Council to extend the current State of Disaster Emergency Declaration.&nbsp;

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MTEuNDE4Mzc1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDYvR292LUtlbGx5LUFwcGxpY2F0aW9uLXRvLUxDQy1mb3ItRXh0ZW5zaW9uLW9mLUVtZXJnZW5jeS1EZWNsYXJhdGlvbi02LjExLjIxLnBkZiJ9.HU3tPZHppveXRPUGgCLGO7UPcAuaEVysno2JxCPXzWg/s/1303160919/br/107831157338-l" target="_blank">Click here to view a PDF of the letter</a>

On May 24, 2021, I submitted my first application for a 30-day extension of the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency to the Legislative Coordinating Council (“LCC”) pursuant to Senate Bill 40’s amendments to the Kansas Emergency Management Act (“KEMA”).&nbsp; K.S.A. 48-924(b)(3).&nbsp; Please consider this letter my specific application to extend the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency up to and including July 15, 2021.

While these conversations took place back in March, I do want to point out that my Chief of Staff discussed with legislators during session that the objective has been to get to the fall of 2021 and the start of the new school year to ensure that vaccine efforts are not stalled or impeded.&nbsp; To build on those conversations, I am including with this specific application an outline of the current plan regarding the State Emergency Operations Center (“SEOC”) and a timeline for demobilization of those efforts.&nbsp; This plan will include the following components:

The plan I present to you in this application continues to reduce the number of activities and pandemic emergency executive orders as we move closer ending the emergency declaration. Ultimately, this plan will require extensions from the LCC to August 30, 2021 as outlined below.

Priorities and Objectives to be Completed by August 30, 2021

There are several priorities that continue to need the attention of the State of Kansas and that require an extension of the state of disaster emergency declaration.&nbsp; First, we need to continue efforts to vaccinate school-aged children to allow schools to resume normal activities beginning this fall.&nbsp; As of June 11, 2021, Kansas has vaccinated 48,045 (20.1%) of children age 12-17. Based on current projections, we anticipate being able to have between 100,000 (42%) to 118,000 (49%) of this age group vaccinated by the end of August. There was a notable decline in the rate of children vaccinations as school ended for the summer. Vaccination efforts planned around the back to school period of early to mid-August will greatly increase the rate of vaccinations for this age group.&nbsp;

Second, we need KDEM to continue to support the distribution and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine through our mobile clinics.&nbsp; The Kansas National Guard (“KSNG”) has administered 122,323 vaccines with 4,360 of those being administered since May 28, 2021.&nbsp; These efforts are directly tied to Executive Order 21-21 through the use of contract nurses who are able to perform vaccinations more easily under the order’s provisions.&nbsp; These contract nurses have delivered 45,981 vaccines across the state of Kansas.&nbsp; We continue to receive requests from employers to do onsite vaccination clinics, which is important to continue to vaccinate the workforce.&nbsp; To date, we have completed vaccine clinics at 47 employer locations across the state.&nbsp; The total number of employees who have had the opportunity to get vaccinated through this employer-partnership exceeds 40,000 Kansans.&nbsp; And, as of the writing of this letter, there are an additional 12 employers who have requested vaccination clinics for their nearly 5,000 (total) employees that are being scheduled. We have an additional 20 community vaccination clinics already scheduled between June 12 and July 27, 2021.

Third, we continue to receive resource requests from counties and hospitals that need to be fulfilled.&nbsp; We have received 5,090 resource requests for personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, personnel and equipment.&nbsp; We have delivered 114,234 cases of PPE through these requests.&nbsp; Since May 28, 2021, there have been 26 requests, totaling 28,976 cases of PPE. &nbsp;Some of this equipment, such as ventilators, will need to be returned, inventoried, and receive maintenance work.&nbsp; Having a scheduled ramp-down will give counties and hospitals time to plan and understand that these resources will become unavailable after August 30th.

Fourth, as outlined below regarding executive orders, we need to continue requiring testing at our adult care homes and underserved populations.&nbsp; KSNG has tested over 30,603 individuals and transported over 26,304 samples to Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory (KHEL) with 297 of those samples since May 28, 2021. While these efforts will ultimately become part of KDHE’s normal operation, we need to continue to support these efforts through August 30th.

Without a disaster declaration in place, these priorities and objectives cannot be effectively accomplished. As you know, aside from removing the legal basis for conducting much of these efforts, the federal emergency response funding Kansas receives may be immediately imperiled if the disaster declaration expires. Pursuant to KEMA, the Adjutant General loses his authority to mission assign agencies such as the Civil Air Patrol, Highway Patrol, and others as part of the state response.&nbsp; These agencies do not have liability protection for work conducted in these efforts absent the emergency declaration.

Additionally, some of our most vulnerable Kansans would lose the emergency allotment of SNAP benefits the federal government provides to states with active COVID-19 emergency responses. Approximately 63,000 Kansas households would be affected by a loss of this additional financial support, and a total of around $14.5 million in additional benefits to those vulnerable Kansans and to our economy would be lost. While many of the elements of our emergency response from last summer are no longer essential, the disaster declaration itself is still essential.

SEOC COVID-19 Activities Closure Timeline

While there are certain activities that need to continue as described above, the list below indicates the mission assignments and activities that have been closed and which ones would be re-opened under an extension of the emergency declaration.

The time to conclude our emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic under KEMA and to transition to a new normal for dealing with COVID-19 through standard authorities is approaching, but that time has not yet arrived. At the LCC’s May 28, 2021 meeting, some LCC members indicated that they wanted to see a plan for how we wind the emergency response

down and return to normal. Our administration has now provided that plan. It will take until August 30, 2021, to execute it.

As circumstances have changed, we have transitioned to an emergency response that has been trimmed down to vaccination efforts, logistical support to local communities, finishing an orderly return to normal in state agencies, and securing federal financial support for our efforts.

While COVID-19 could become an ever-present threat to public health if vaccination rates continue to decline, our emergency response will not be permanent. We owe it to Kansans to finish the job and wind down the state of disaster emergency responsibly.

As with the LCC’s previous meeting to consider an extension, at next Tuesday’s meeting Major General Weishaar, Dr. Norman, and members of my staff will be present to answer any questions the LCC may have.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter on Friday urging Senate President Ty Masterson and members of the Legislative Coordinating Council to extend the current State of Disaster Emergency Declaration.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MTEuNDE4Mzc1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDYvR292LUtlbGx5LUFwcGxpY2F0aW9uLXRvLUxDQy1mb3ItRXh0ZW5zaW9uLW9mLUVtZXJnZW5jeS1EZWNsYXJhdGlvbi02LjExLjIxLnBkZiJ9.HU3tPZHppveXRPUGgCLGO7UPcAuaEVysno2JxCPXzWg/s/1303160919/br/107831157338-l" target="_blank">Click here to view a PDF of the letter</a>The Governor wrote:On May 24, 2021, I submitted my first application for a 30-day extension of the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency to the Legislative Coordinating Council (“LCC”) pursuant to Senate Bill 40’s amendments to the Kansas Emergency Management Act (“KEMA”).&nbsp; K.S.A. 48-924(b)(3).&nbsp; Please consider this letter my specific application to extend the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency up to and including July 15, 2021.While these conversations took place back in March, I do want to point out that my Chief of Staff discussed with legislators during session that the objective has been to get to the fall of 2021 and the start of the new school year to ensure that vaccine efforts are not stalled or impeded.&nbsp; To build on those conversations, I am including with this specific application an outline of the current plan regarding the State Emergency Operations Center (“SEOC”) and a timeline for demobilization of those efforts.&nbsp; This plan will include the following components:<ul>
 <li>Priorities and objectives to be completed by August 30, 2021;</li><li>SEOC COVID-19 activities closure timeline;</li><li>Rescinding or sunsetting of current executive orders based on the priorities and objectives to be achieved by August 30, 2021.</li>
 </ul>The plan I present to you in this application continues to reduce the number of activities and pandemic emergency executive orders as we move closer ending the emergency declaration. Ultimately, this plan will require extensions from the LCC to August 30, 2021 as outlined below.Priorities and Objectives to be Completed by August 30, 2021There are several priorities that continue to need the attention of the State of Kansas and that require an extension of the state of disaster emergency declaration.&nbsp; First, we need to continue efforts to vaccinate school-aged children to allow schools to resume normal activities beginning this fall.&nbsp; As of June 11, 2021, Kansas has vaccinated 48,045 (20.1%) of children age 12-17. Based on current projections, we anticipate being able to have between 100,000 (42%) to 118,000 (49%) of this age group vaccinated by the end of August. There was a notable decline in the rate of children vaccinations as school ended for the summer. Vaccination efforts planned around the back to school period of early to mid-August will greatly increase the rate of vaccinations for this age group.&nbsp;Second, we need KDEM to continue to support the distribution and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine through our mobile clinics.&nbsp; The Kansas National Guard (“KSNG”) has administered 122,323 vaccines with 4,360 of those being administered since May 28, 2021.&nbsp; These efforts are directly tied to Executive Order 21-21 through the use of contract nurses who are able to perform vaccinations more easily under the order’s provisions.&nbsp; These contract nurses have delivered 45,981 vaccines across the state of Kansas.&nbsp; We continue to receive requests from employers to do onsite vaccination clinics, which is important to continue to vaccinate the workforce.&nbsp; To date, we have completed vaccine clinics at 47 employer locations across the state.&nbsp; The total number of employees who have had the opportunity to get vaccinated through this employer-partnership exceeds 40,000 Kansans.&nbsp; And, as of the writing of this letter, there are an additional 12 employers who have requested vaccination clinics for their nearly 5,000 (total) employees that are being scheduled. We have an additional 20 community vaccination clinics already scheduled between June 12 and July 27, 2021.Third, we continue to receive resource requests from counties and hospitals that need to be fulfilled.&nbsp; We have received 5,090 resource requests for personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, personnel and equipment.&nbsp; We have delivered 114,234 cases of PPE through these requests.&nbsp; Since May 28, 2021, there have been 26 requests, totaling 28,976 cases of PPE. &nbsp;Some of this equipment, such as ventilators, will need to be returned, inventoried, and receive maintenance work.&nbsp; Having a scheduled ramp-down will give counties and hospitals time to plan and understand that these resources will become unavailable after August 30th.Fourth, as outlined below regarding executive orders, we need to continue requiring testing at our adult care homes and underserved populations.&nbsp; KSNG has tested over 30,603 individuals and transported over 26,304 samples to Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory (KHEL) with 297 of those samples since May 28, 2021. While these efforts will ultimately become part of KDHE’s normal operation, we need to continue to support these efforts through August 30th.Without a disaster declaration in place, these priorities and objectives cannot be effectively accomplished. As you know, aside from removing the legal basis for conducting much of these efforts, the federal emergency response funding Kansas receives may be immediately imperiled if the disaster declaration expires. Pursuant to KEMA, the Adjutant General loses his authority to mission assign agencies such as the Civil Air Patrol, Highway Patrol, and others as part of the state response.&nbsp; These agencies do not have liability protection for work conducted in these efforts absent the emergency declaration.Additionally, some of our most vulnerable Kansans would lose the emergency allotment of SNAP benefits the federal government provides to states with active COVID-19 emergency responses. Approximately 63,000 Kansas households would be affected by a loss of this additional financial support, and a total of around $14.5 million in additional benefits to those vulnerable Kansans and to our economy would be lost. While many of the elements of our emergency response from last summer are no longer essential, the disaster declaration itself is still essential.SEOC COVID-19 Activities Closure TimelineWhile there are certain activities that need to continue as described above, the list below indicates the mission assignments and activities that have been closed and which ones would be re-opened under an extension of the emergency declaration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623456723168.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623456662997.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The time to conclude our emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic under KEMA and to transition to a new normal for dealing with COVID-19 through standard authorities is approaching, but that time has not yet arrived. At the LCC’s May 28, 2021 meeting, some LCC members indicated that they wanted to see a plan for how we wind the emergency responsedown and return to normal. Our administration has now provided that plan. It will take until August 30, 2021, to execute it.As circumstances have changed, we have transitioned to an emergency response that has been trimmed down to vaccination efforts, logistical support to local communities, finishing an orderly return to normal in state agencies, and securing federal financial support for our efforts.While COVID-19 could become an ever-present threat to public health if vaccination rates continue to decline, our emergency response will not be permanent. We owe it to Kansans to finish the job and wind down the state of disaster emergency responsibly.As with the LCC’s previous meeting to consider an extension, at next Tuesday’s meeting Major General Weishaar, Dr. Norman, and members of my staff will be present to answer any questions the LCC may have.

Gov. asks LCC to extend COVID disaster declaration

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A 26-year-old Kansa woman critically injured in a hit and run accident June 5 in Wichita has died.

According to a GoFundMe page, "Lynny lost her battle this morning at 11:54a.m. She was surrounded by family. Thank you all so much for all of your continued prayers and support. Please continue to share this with all of your friends and family, so we can <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/lynnys-hospital-expenses?utm_campaign=p_cp_display&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">help Lynny’s family</a> as much as possible with the medical and now funeral expenses."

Just before 9:30 p.m. June 5, police responded to a hit-and-run injury accident at Douglas and Greenwood in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located the victim with critical injuries.&nbsp; EMS transported her to an area hospital for medical treatment.

Investigators learned the woman was crossing the street, leaving a business in the 100 block of South Greenwood and a newer white northbound sedan struck her. It is believed the sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed, according to Davidson.&nbsp; &nbsp;

On Sunday, police found the unoccupied vehicle at a hotel at 36th&nbsp;and Rock Road in Wichita.

Officers also contacted contacted 18-year-old Bricetin Wedel of Wichita about the incident.&nbsp; Police then arrested him on a requested charge of aggravated battery and two counts of hit and run, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Wedel now faces new charges in the case. He is not longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623008016375.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Saturday night investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Saturday night investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A 26-year-old Kansa woman critically injured in a hit and run accident June 5 in Wichita has died.According to a GoFundMe page, "Lynny lost her battle this morning at 11:54a.m. She was surrounded by family. Thank you all so much for all of your continued prayers and support. Please continue to share this with all of your friends and family, so we can <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/lynnys-hospital-expenses?utm_campaign=p_cp_display&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">help Lynny’s family</a> as much as possible with the medical and now funeral expenses."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623447849772.png" alt="Lynny photo courtesy GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Lynny photo courtesy GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 9:30 p.m. June 5, police responded to a hit-and-run injury accident at Douglas and Greenwood in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located the victim with critical injuries.&nbsp; EMS transported her to an area hospital for medical treatment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623083406162.png" alt="Wedel photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wedel photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators learned the woman was crossing the street, leaving a business in the 100 block of South Greenwood and a newer white northbound sedan struck her. It is believed the sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed, according to Davidson.&nbsp; &nbsp;On Sunday, police found the unoccupied vehicle at a hotel at 36th&nbsp;and Rock Road in Wichita.Officers also contacted contacted 18-year-old Bricetin Wedel of Wichita about the incident.&nbsp; Police then arrested him on a requested charge of aggravated battery and two counts of hit and run, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Wedel now faces new charges in the case. He is not longer in custody.--------------

26-year-old Kan. woman injured in hit-and-run has died

BARTON COUNTY — After several months of investigation, law enforcement authorities arrested of Kansas man on weapons and drug charges.

Just after 3 p.m. Thursday, a Barton County Sheriff’s Office detectives and deputies executed a search warrant at 1809 Jackson Street in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. A second warrant was executed at an adjoining building at 3108 18th Street. 

Deputies located multiple firearms hidden in a wall. At least one of the firearms was stolen, others are suspected to be modified to function fully automatic. Deputies also found homemade suppressors, according Bellendir along with thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Deputies arrested the resident identified as 55-year-old Matthew Jones of Great Bend. He is being held on a $100,000 bond on the requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school, criminal possession of a firearm by a drug user, criminal possession of a fully automatic firearm,&nbsp;criminal possession of a suppressor, possession of stolen property and possession of methamphetamine.

Over the last several months, the sheriff’s office received assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Great Bend Police Department. The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has also been notified and is involved in the case, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623432875106.jpeg" alt="Photos Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY — After several months of investigation, law enforcement authorities arrested of Kansas man on weapons and drug charges.Just after 3 p.m. Thursday, a Barton County Sheriff’s Office detectives and deputies executed a search warrant at 1809 Jackson Street in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. A second warrant was executed at an adjoining building at 3108 18th Street. Deputies located multiple firearms hidden in a wall. At least one of the firearms was stolen, others are suspected to be modified to function fully automatic. Deputies also found homemade suppressors, according Bellendir along with thousands of rounds of ammunition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623432888323.jpeg" alt="Jones photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Jones photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested the resident identified as 55-year-old Matthew Jones of Great Bend. He is being held on a $100,000 bond on the requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school, criminal possession of a firearm by a drug user, criminal possession of a fully automatic firearm,&nbsp;criminal possession of a suppressor, possession of stolen property and possession of methamphetamine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623432847855.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Over the last several months, the sheriff’s office received assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Great Bend Police Department. The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has also been notified and is involved in the case, according to Bellendir.

Hidden guns, thousands of rounds of ammo at Kan. home 

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. regulators are allowing the release of about 10 million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine from a troubled Baltimore factory, but many more doses can't be used and must be thrown out.

The Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that it had determined that two batches could be released from the plant, which is owned by Emergent BioSolutions and has been shuttered for eight weeks. But it said several other batches are not suitable for use and additional batches are still under review.

The agency wouldn't specify the size of those batches or why they can't be used, but a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press that they could have yielded tens of millions of doses and that they possibly were contaminated. Another person familiar with the situation said the doses to be discarded were made about the same time as a vaccine batch equal to about 15 million doses that was contaminated earlier this year and thrown out.

Neither person was authorized to release details about the decision and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

J&amp;J and Emergent wouldn't give any details on the size of the batches that are usable, nor those being discarded.

The two batches from the factory known as Bayview can be used in the U.S. or exported to other countries. They are the first J&amp;J vaccines from Bayview approved for use.

The FDA said if any of the vaccine is exported, J&amp;J and Emergent must allow the agency to share information about the manufacture of those batches confidentially with regulators in other countries.

The FDA statement implied that the batches didn't meet all of the agency's manufacturing quality standards. “This review has been taking place while Emergent BioSolutions prepares to resume manufacturing operations with corrective actions to ensure compliance with the FDA’s” manufacturing requirements, Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.

The agency said the vaccines are “critically needed,” given the current public health emergency, and that it made the decisions after reviewing records and the results of quality testing.

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. regulators are allowing the release of about 10 million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine from a troubled Baltimore factory, but many more doses can't be used and must be thrown out.The Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that it had determined that two batches could be released from the plant, which is owned by Emergent BioSolutions and has been shuttered for eight weeks. But it said several other batches are not suitable for use and additional batches are still under review.The agency wouldn't specify the size of those batches or why they can't be used, but a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press that they could have yielded tens of millions of doses and that they possibly were contaminated. Another person familiar with the situation said the doses to be discarded were made about the same time as a vaccine batch equal to about 15 million doses that was contaminated earlier this year and thrown out.Neither person was authorized to release details about the decision and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.J&amp;J and Emergent wouldn't give any details on the size of the batches that are usable, nor those being discarded.The two batches from the factory known as Bayview can be used in the U.S. or exported to other countries. They are the first J&amp;J vaccines from Bayview approved for use.The FDA said if any of the vaccine is exported, J&amp;J and Emergent must allow the agency to share information about the manufacture of those batches confidentially with regulators in other countries.The FDA statement implied that the batches didn't meet all of the agency's manufacturing quality standards. “This review has been taking place while Emergent BioSolutions prepares to resume manufacturing operations with corrective actions to ensure compliance with the FDA’s” manufacturing requirements, Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.The agency said the vaccines are “critically needed,” given the current public health emergency, and that it made the decisions after reviewing records and the results of quality testing.The FDA, however, stopped short of allowing the plant to restart vaccine production. The agency said it was working through issues there with J&amp;J and Emergent BioSolutions management.Emergent is one of several J&amp;J contractors that produce its one-shot vaccine in bulk. The concentrated vaccine then is shipped to other factories for final steps, including diluting them to the correct strength, putting them in vials and packaging them up.Roughly 100 million doses made from bulk vaccine produced at Emergent’s factory, including those just approved for use, had been set aside for additional review by FDA staff after factory employees accidentally contaminated an earlier batch.That contamination led the FDA to shut down the factory in mid-April and send in a team of inspectors. They spent a week going through the factory and reviewing security camera footage that showed employees carelessly handling vaccine materials. The inspectors reported unsanitary conditions, poorly trained employees and other problems.The lapses have hampered J&amp;J's efforts to be a major player in vaccinating people, particularly in remote areas and poor countries, given that it’s the only drugmaker with an authorized vaccine that only requires one dose and standard refrigeration. It's also cheaper than some other vaccines.The productions problems have forced J&amp;J to import millions of doses from its factory in the Netherlands to the U.S. and to miss supply commitments.Emergent’s factory had a history of FDA citations for problems including mold, dirty walls and floors, poorly trained employees and an inadequate strategy to prevent contamination, yet it was given a huge role in COVID-19 vaccine production by the Trump administration. Emergent was handed a lucrative contract to make many millions of COVID-19 vaccines for both J&amp;J and AstraZeneca at the Bayview factory.Emergent’s chief executive has blamed the contamination and other problems on the complexity of scaling up the factory in just months to make two different vaccines.The Biden administration is working to find a different American manufacturing partner for the British drugmaker, which has yet to request authorization to distribute it in the U.S.-------WASHINGTON (AP) — Johnson &amp; Johnson said Thursday that U.S. regulators extended the expiration date on millions of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine by six weeks.The company said a Food and Drug Administration review concluded the shots remain safe and effective for at least 4 1/2 months. In February, the FDA originally authorized J&amp;J’s vaccine for up to three months when stored at normal refrigeration levels.Thursday’s announcement comes after state officials warned that many doses in storage would expire before the end of the month. The change gives health providers more time to try and use remaining J&amp;J shots sitting at pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. Many states have adopted a “first-in-first-out” approach to try and use their oldest vaccines first.Vaccine expiration dates are based on information from drugmakers on how long the shots stay at the right strength. J&amp;J said the FDA added six weeks based on data from ongoing studies assessing the vaccine’s stability.The FDA has been reviewing expiration dates on all three U.S. authorized vaccines as companies have continued to test batches in the months since the shots first rolled out. Vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, authorized in December, have a six-month shelf life.The J&amp;J extension will help maintain vaccine supplies even as the number of Americans getting shots has slipped. The country averaged about 800,000 new injections per day last week. That’s down from a high of nearly 2 million daily shots two months ago. Government officials and companies have turned to incentives to encourages shots, including paid time off and $1 million lottery prizes.As vaccinations have slowed it’s become clear the U.S. is unlikely to meet President Joe Biden’s goal to have 70% of adults partially vaccinated by July 4. Roughly 64% of Americans older than 18 have had at least one dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.J&amp;J’s vaccine was highly anticipated because of its one-and-done formulation and easy-to-ship refrigeration. The shot was expected to play a key role in vaccination campaigns in rural areas and low-income countries with limited health care infrastructure.But rival drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna, which started shipping shots months earlier, have already supplied more than enough doses to meet U.S. demand. More than 129 million Americans have been fully vaccinated with the companies’ two-dose shots. By comparison, just 11 million Americans have been vaccinated with the J&amp;J shot. About 10 million more J&amp;J doses have been sent to states, according to the CDC.Use of J&amp;J’s vaccine has been hurt by links to a rare blood clot disorder. That issue led U.S. health officials to “pause” use of the shot for an 11-day review. Officials lifted the hold in late April after concluding that the vaccine’s benefits outweighed its risksJ&amp;J’s rollout has also been slowed by contamination problems at a Baltimore factory that helps make the shots. The facility was shuttered after an FDA inspection uncovered unsanitary conditions and other problems in April. None of the vaccines made there have been distributed.___

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