Geary USD 475 has announced that the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation has approved a matching grant to build a new elementary school in place of Jefferson Elementary on Custer Hill at Fort Riley.

The new school, which will accommodate 390 students in grades pre-kindergarten to fifth grade, has a design concept like Fort Riley Elementary and will include six pre-kindergarten classrooms. The project will total $30 million to complete, with the OLDCC grant providing an 80% match.

Geary USD 475 held its 20% share since initiating the grant process in February of 2019, when USD 475 and Fort Riley met with the OLDCC staff to propose the new 81,000 square foot facility.

Jefferson Elementary was built in 1959 with additions in 1965 and 1990. The school was cited by a U.S. Department of Defense Conditions Assessment report for approaching the end of its useful life and placed on a priority list for renovation or replacement. A second report in 2017 cited all systems in the school were at or near the end of serviceable life.

A series of evaluations performed by OLDCC staff, accompanied by a site visit concurred, resulting in an invitation to submit a written proposal for replacement of the school.&nbsp;

A final decision was anticipated in the spring of 2020, but was delayed when Congress directed OLDCC to initiate its Defense Communities Investment Program, said David Wild, the USD 475 chief operations officer. "The pandemic then caused further delays." The project is now back on track.

The new school will be built on an 18-acre site, following the U.S. Army's energy, anti-terrorism and force protection standards, including a storm shelter. The total project, including design and construction, is estimated to take 23 months.

"Demolition of the existing school will start as early as Aug. 2021, "Wild stated. "Earthwork on&nbsp; the new school is scheduled to commence in the late fall or early winter of 2021.

The name of&nbsp; the new school will be determined by the USD 475 Board of Education along with Fort Riley officials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618253586336.jpeg" alt="Design drawings for new elementary school at Fort Riley" />
 <figcaption>Design drawings for new elementary school at Fort Riley</figcaption>
 </figure>Geary USD 475 has announced that the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation has approved a matching grant to build a new elementary school in place of Jefferson Elementary on Custer Hill at Fort Riley.The new school, which will accommodate 390 students in grades pre-kindergarten to fifth grade, has a design concept like Fort Riley Elementary and will include six pre-kindergarten classrooms. The project will total $30 million to complete, with the OLDCC grant providing an 80% match.Geary USD 475 held its 20% share since initiating the grant process in February of 2019, when USD 475 and Fort Riley met with the OLDCC staff to propose the new 81,000 square foot facility.Jefferson Elementary was built in 1959 with additions in 1965 and 1990. The school was cited by a U.S. Department of Defense Conditions Assessment report for approaching the end of its useful life and placed on a priority list for renovation or replacement. A second report in 2017 cited all systems in the school were at or near the end of serviceable life.A series of evaluations performed by OLDCC staff, accompanied by a site visit concurred, resulting in an invitation to submit a written proposal for replacement of the school.&nbsp;A final decision was anticipated in the spring of 2020, but was delayed when Congress directed OLDCC to initiate its Defense Communities Investment Program, said David Wild, the USD 475 chief operations officer. "The pandemic then caused further delays." The project is now back on track.The new school will be built on an 18-acre site, following the U.S. Army's energy, anti-terrorism and force protection standards, including a storm shelter. The total project, including design and construction, is estimated to take 23 months."Demolition of the existing school will start as early as Aug. 2021, "Wild stated. "Earthwork on&nbsp; the new school is scheduled to commence in the late fall or early winter of 2021.The name of&nbsp; the new school will be determined by the USD 475 Board of Education along with Fort Riley officials.

Grant approval is given for a new elementary school on Fort Riley

Junction City Public Works has informed JC Post that customers will not have any water service near Buffalo Soldier Parkway through Grant Ave. on Tuesday from 8 a.m. until noon.

Junction City Public Works has informed JC Post that customers will not have any water service near Buffalo Soldier Parkway through Grant Ave. on Tuesday from 8 a.m. until noon.

Public Works confirms plans for water outage on the City's north side

Children’s Mercy will be making a change at its Junction City clinic. Beginning Monday April 12, all Urgent Care visits will occur through telehealth. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, in-person urgent care visits have decreased nationwide, and Children’s Mercy has experienced lower volumes at all their urgent care facilities including the facility located on the Geary Community Hospital campus on St. Mary’s Road.

Although in-person Urgent Care visits will no longer be available in Junction City, families will have access to “telehealth from home” Urgent Care visits Monday through Friday from noon – 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

“We remain committed to serving Junction City and surrounding communities. Families in need of pediatric urgent care will be able to access our pediatric urgent care experts from the comfort of their own home, seven days a week, via telehealth,” said Dr. Holly Austin, Physician Director, Children’s Mercy Junction City Urgent Care.

Children’s Mercy Junction City Cardiology and Endocrine/Diabetes doctors will continue to see their patients in person at the clinic. In addition, the Junction City location’s robust telemedicine program offers 18 pediatric specialty clinics: Allergy, GI, Urology, Dermatology, Sleep, Neurology, Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Endocrine/Diabetes, Genetics, Beacon, Weight Management, ENT, Surgery, GOLDILOKS, Developmental and Behavioral, Nephrology, and Orthopedics. Visits for these specialties take place at the Junction City clinic, facilitated by a telemedicine nurse who is also present at the clinic to run the medical robot and video conferencing equipment and perform an in-person nursing assessment of the patient.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618257418756.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Children’s Mercy will be making a change at its Junction City clinic. Beginning Monday April 12, all Urgent Care visits will occur through telehealth. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, in-person urgent care visits have decreased nationwide, and Children’s Mercy has experienced lower volumes at all their urgent care facilities including the facility located on the Geary Community Hospital campus on St. Mary’s Road.Although in-person Urgent Care visits will no longer be available in Junction City, families will have access to “telehealth from home” Urgent Care visits Monday through Friday from noon – 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.“We remain committed to serving Junction City and surrounding communities. Families in need of pediatric urgent care will be able to access our pediatric urgent care experts from the comfort of their own home, seven days a week, via telehealth,” said Dr. Holly Austin, Physician Director, Children’s Mercy Junction City Urgent Care.Children’s Mercy Junction City Cardiology and Endocrine/Diabetes doctors will continue to see their patients in person at the clinic. In addition, the Junction City location’s robust telemedicine program offers 18 pediatric specialty clinics: Allergy, GI, Urology, Dermatology, Sleep, Neurology, Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Endocrine/Diabetes, Genetics, Beacon, Weight Management, ENT, Surgery, GOLDILOKS, Developmental and Behavioral, Nephrology, and Orthopedics. Visits for these specialties take place at the Junction City clinic, facilitated by a telemedicine nurse who is also present at the clinic to run the medical robot and video conferencing equipment and perform an in-person nursing assessment of the patient.

Children's Mercy makes a change at their Junction City clinic 

JCPD has informed us that there will be a chief's walk Monday afternoon at 5 p.m. Police Chief John Lamb and other members of the police department administration will meet at Sheridan Elementary School, 429 West Ash in Junction City They will walk the surrounding neighborhood and talk with residents.

Anyone is welcome to meet and walk with the police leaders.

JCPD has informed us that there will be a chief's walk Monday afternoon at 5 p.m. Police Chief John Lamb and other members of the police department administration will meet at Sheridan Elementary School, 429 West Ash in Junction City They will walk the surrounding neighborhood and talk with residents.Anyone is welcome to meet and walk with the police leaders.

 Police Chief's walk is set for Monday

Families or friends who might have students interested in attending St. Francis Xavier Catholic School for the 2021-22 school year can attend an open house at the school Monday evening. It begins at 6:30 p.m. with a catered dinner followed by a meet and greet, question and answer session and a campus tour.

If you plan to attend contact Principal Shawn Augustine at 785-238-2841.

Families or friends who might have students interested in attending St. Francis Xavier Catholic School for the 2021-22 school year can attend an open house at the school Monday evening. It begins at 6:30 p.m. with a catered dinner followed by a meet and greet, question and answer session and a campus tour.If you plan to attend contact Principal Shawn Augustine at 785-238-2841.

St. Xavier School will host an open house

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher It is springtime in the Flint Hills, and that means one thing: It’s pasture burning season. Those of us who are caretakers of the Flint Hills know fire is the most important tool we have to maintain the last large-scale vestige of warm-season tallgrass prairie. Without it, invasive shrubs and trees would take over and the Flint Hills prairie would be no more. However, in recent years burning has come under extra scrutiny from the EPA because of air quality issues in the large cities surrounding the Flint Hills. Pardon the pun, but we had a burning issue. Kansas Farm Bureau and other agriculture organizations worked with EPA, Kansas State University and others to build ksfire.org, a website that helps producers understand where their smoke will go so they can time burns to lessen the impact on our city cousins. This voluntary collaboration is an example of how working with others can ensure we have all the tools we need to be good stewards of the natural resources we all value and rely on. In the end we have helped reduce the air quality problems with minimal impact to our essential operations. That is why Kansas Farm Bureau is so vital to all of us as ag producers, even if you are not a Flint Hills grazer and are not impacted by this issue, I can give several others that do have direct implications to your long-term sustainability as a farmer or rancher. Kansas Farm Bureau plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of everyone in agriculture, and I can think of no more important reason that every farmer and rancher, or anyone involved in ag for that matter, should be a member of Kansas Farm Bureau. We are all busy with the day-to-day details of our farms and ranches, and we only get busier every day. The incredible staff of Kansas Farm Bureau are here every day watching out for the best interests of our members. As the largest general farm organization in Kansas and as a part of the American Farm Bureau Association, the largest general farm organization in the United States, we can work with other ag organizations, consumer groups and across the aisle with both parties to help build better and more workable solutions to protect our livelihoods. I am sure you know those of us involved in production agriculture are a very small minority, less than 2 percent of the population, and that is why we need the unified collective voice of Kansas Farm Bureau. If you are not a member, I promise it will be the best money you spend each year. If you are a member and you know of neighbors who are not, I challenge you to sit down with them and tell them we need them. Kansas Farm Bureau has a place and a need for everyone involved in agriculture. Because of Kansas Farm Bureau’s engagement, we still have the ability to use fire as a tool to keep our Flint Hills ecosystem healthy and viable. This was a victory for all of us in Kansas agriculture and, pardon the pun, is not blowing smoke.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved. News from Kansas Farm Bureau

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher It is springtime in the Flint Hills, and that means one thing: It’s pasture burning season. Those of us who are caretakers of the Flint Hills know fire is the most important tool we have to maintain the last large-scale vestige of warm-season tallgrass prairie. Without it, invasive shrubs and trees would take over and the Flint Hills prairie would be no more. However, in recent years burning has come under extra scrutiny from the EPA because of air quality issues in the large cities surrounding the Flint Hills. Pardon the pun, but we had a burning issue. Kansas Farm Bureau and other agriculture organizations worked with EPA, Kansas State University and others to build ksfire.org, a website that helps producers understand where their smoke will go so they can time burns to lessen the impact on our city cousins. This voluntary collaboration is an example of how working with others can ensure we have all the tools we need to be good stewards of the natural resources we all value and rely on. In the end we have helped reduce the air quality problems with minimal impact to our essential operations. That is why Kansas Farm Bureau is so vital to all of us as ag producers, even if you are not a Flint Hills grazer and are not impacted by this issue, I can give several others that do have direct implications to your long-term sustainability as a farmer or rancher. Kansas Farm Bureau plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of everyone in agriculture, and I can think of no more important reason that every farmer and rancher, or anyone involved in ag for that matter, should be a member of Kansas Farm Bureau. We are all busy with the day-to-day details of our farms and ranches, and we only get busier every day. The incredible staff of Kansas Farm Bureau are here every day watching out for the best interests of our members. As the largest general farm organization in Kansas and as a part of the American Farm Bureau Association, the largest general farm organization in the United States, we can work with other ag organizations, consumer groups and across the aisle with both parties to help build better and more workable solutions to protect our livelihoods. I am sure you know those of us involved in production agriculture are a very small minority, less than 2 percent of the population, and that is why we need the unified collective voice of Kansas Farm Bureau. If you are not a member, I promise it will be the best money you spend each year. If you are a member and you know of neighbors who are not, I challenge you to sit down with them and tell them we need them. Kansas Farm Bureau has a place and a need for everyone involved in agriculture. Because of Kansas Farm Bureau’s engagement, we still have the ability to use fire as a tool to keep our Flint Hills ecosystem healthy and viable. This was a victory for all of us in Kansas agriculture and, pardon the pun, is not blowing smoke."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved. News from Kansas Farm Bureau

Burning and other issues

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Monday's weather forecast calls for party sunny skies and a high temperature of 61 degrees.

<a href="https://jcpost.com/pages/weather">https://jcpost.com/pages/weather</a>

Monday's weather forecast calls for party sunny skies and a high temperature of 61 degrees.<a href="https://jcpost.com/pages/weather">https://jcpost.com/pages/weather</a>

Monday weather forecast

Nellie Smith is a treasured member of the Junction City community. Monday she turns 100 years old.

On Sunday Nellie was honored during a birthday reception at the First Christian Church, with many community members in attendance.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nellie called the surprise birthday reception mind boggling. "It really is. It's mind boggling . The whole darn county's here! I don't know how they did it, but they did it.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nellie has lived in Geary County her entire life. "I was born in a little log cabin out on Clarks Creek by the Lutheran Church, that little Lutheran Church." Today with some help, she resides in her home in Junction City. On turning 100 she said, "I got to be 100. I love it!"&nbsp; 

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Smith is well known for her community support including for the 4-H program.&nbsp; She noted that she does not have any family so she gives what she can. "I give to different people, you bet, I love to do that."

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nellie plans to attend the Geary County Free Fair this summer. "Brother you aren't kidding I am. I'm planning on being there, I'm planning on bidding." She remembers how her involvement with 4-H began. "One year they come by and wanted help with the 4-H. And so Ray ( her late husband ) said okay we'll help you. So he looked around to see how much we could give, and so we gave them a bunch to help them out. And oh yeah, it went alright."

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Nellie also enjoyed her role on the old KJCK radio show Swap Shop over the years. She was a regular caller to the program that aired on weekdays and became well known there. "I know, and I loved it. I sure did, I loved Swap Shop."

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; During the reception on Sunday, Geary County Commissioner Keith Ascher read a proclamation honoring Nellie. "You're generosity to this community and this county has been exceptional."

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ascher stated the proclamation recognized Nellie Smith, who is celebrating her 100th birthday on April 12, has been a longtime poll worker for elections, a 57-year member of the Extension Education Unit program and has provided many 4-H camp scholarships. "She has helped with the Geary County Free Fair open class division for several decades and has provided dozens of student scholarships. Nellie Smith has further provided generous support to many local organizations and foundations throughout her lifetime."

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ascher said the County Commission wanted to recognize and celebrate Nellie Smith's 100th birthday, "and her many years of service and her commitment to Geary County Kansas and the local community."

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The reading of the proclamation drew a large round of applause by the people in attendance on Sunday.

Nellie Smith is a treasured member of the Junction City community. Monday she turns 100 years old.On Sunday Nellie was honored during a birthday reception at the First Christian Church, with many community members in attendance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618173863935.jpeg" alt="Nellie Smith" />
 <figcaption>Nellie Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nellie called the surprise birthday reception mind boggling. "It really is. It's mind boggling . The whole darn county's here! I don't know how they did it, but they did it.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nellie has lived in Geary County her entire life. "I was born in a little log cabin out on Clarks Creek by the Lutheran Church, that little Lutheran Church." Today with some help, she resides in her home in Junction City. On turning 100 she said, "I got to be 100. I love it!"&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Smith is well known for her community support including for the 4-H program.&nbsp; She noted that she does not have any family so she gives what she can. "I give to different people, you bet, I love to do that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618173915411.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nellie plans to attend the Geary County Free Fair this summer. "Brother you aren't kidding I am. I'm planning on being there, I'm planning on bidding." She remembers how her involvement with 4-H began. "One year they come by and wanted help with the 4-H. And so Ray ( her late husband ) said okay we'll help you. So he looked around to see how much we could give, and so we gave them a bunch to help them out. And oh yeah, it went alright."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Nellie also enjoyed her role on the old KJCK radio show Swap Shop over the years. She was a regular caller to the program that aired on weekdays and became well known there. "I know, and I loved it. I sure did, I loved Swap Shop."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618175855827.jpeg" alt="Geary County Commissioner Keith Ascher reading a proclamation honoring Nellie Smith." />
 <figcaption>Geary County Commissioner Keith Ascher reading a proclamation honoring Nellie Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; During the reception on Sunday, Geary County Commissioner Keith Ascher read a proclamation honoring Nellie. "You're generosity to this community and this county has been exceptional."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ascher stated the proclamation recognized Nellie Smith, who is celebrating her 100th birthday on April 12, has been a longtime poll worker for elections, a 57-year member of the Extension Education Unit program and has provided many 4-H camp scholarships. "She has helped with the Geary County Free Fair open class division for several decades and has provided dozens of student scholarships. Nellie Smith has further provided generous support to many local organizations and foundations throughout her lifetime."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ascher said the County Commission wanted to recognize and celebrate Nellie Smith's 100th birthday, "and her many years of service and her commitment to Geary County Kansas and the local community."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The reading of the proclamation drew a large round of applause by the people in attendance on Sunday.

Nellie turns 100 on Monday 

COVID-19 has led to some difficult times for the legislature but there have been positive accomplishments this year. 

State Senator Tom Hawk, Manhattan, feels some incredible things were accomplished, particularly on the economic front. "We brought in more businesses than we ever have before. I think they're somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 billion dollars that occurred this past year, we've resurrected the Main Street program."

Hawk noted that he thought the Commerce Department was being brought back and getting involved in trying to recruit businesses to Kansas, and have a presence both nationally and internationally. He also pointed out that the Legislature has cooperated by providing tools.

On another topic Hawk referred to electric vehicles and observed that GM plans to have the electric option on all of the vehicles in the next ten years. "We need to make sure that people don't route around Kansas so that they can get their vehicles charged."

State Representative Lonnie Clark, Junction City, said the primary measure coming out of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee dealt with military spouses employment. "Reducing the amount of time it takes for reciprocity to come out of one state into another state. It allowed people that have a professional license in the states can come to Kansas, and if it's less than 30 days they can be licensed in Kansas."

State Representative Dave Baker, Council Grove,&nbsp; reported that there is an aggressive effort to go after trails in Kansas. "In this area with all of the scenery and with Milford Lake we have some wonderful, wonderful assets here, and those trails are used by a lot of different people from different walks of life."

Baker stated the Flint Hills Nature Trail follows an abandoned rail line from Osawatomie to Herington. "It's not finished all the way but on a stretch from Council Grove running east several miles the amount of people walking and riding their horses on the trail is amazing.&nbsp;

Baker said he expects to see more trails in Geary County with one aggressive initiative taking a trail from Wamego through Manhattan over Fort Riley to Milford Lake. Baker is urging KDOT to bring the trail down to Junction City and then to Herington to tie it into the Flint Hills Nature Trail. He said so far KDOT has been receptive. The State Represented noted that's a stretch, but there will be an effort to push hard to make it happen.

Hawk, Clark and Baker spoke during a Chamber of Commerce Legislative Coffee on Saturday at the Junction City Municipal Building.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618105538761.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) State legislators Lonnie Clark, Dave Baker and Tom Hawk participated in a legislative coffee sponsored by the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce." />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) State legislators Lonnie Clark, Dave Baker and Tom Hawk participated in a legislative coffee sponsored by the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce.</figcaption>
 </figure>COVID-19 has led to some difficult times for the legislature but there have been positive accomplishments this year. State Senator Tom Hawk, Manhattan, feels some incredible things were accomplished, particularly on the economic front. "We brought in more businesses than we ever have before. I think they're somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 billion dollars that occurred this past year, we've resurrected the Main Street program."Hawk noted that he thought the Commerce Department was being brought back and getting involved in trying to recruit businesses to Kansas, and have a presence both nationally and internationally. He also pointed out that the Legislature has cooperated by providing tools.On another topic Hawk referred to electric vehicles and observed that GM plans to have the electric option on all of the vehicles in the next ten years. "We need to make sure that people don't route around Kansas so that they can get their vehicles charged."State Representative Lonnie Clark, Junction City, said the primary measure coming out of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee dealt with military spouses employment. "Reducing the amount of time it takes for reciprocity to come out of one state into another state. It allowed people that have a professional license in the states can come to Kansas, and if it's less than 30 days they can be licensed in Kansas."State Representative Dave Baker, Council Grove,&nbsp; reported that there is an aggressive effort to go after trails in Kansas. "In this area with all of the scenery and with Milford Lake we have some wonderful, wonderful assets here, and those trails are used by a lot of different people from different walks of life."Baker stated the Flint Hills Nature Trail follows an abandoned rail line from Osawatomie to Herington. "It's not finished all the way but on a stretch from Council Grove running east several miles the amount of people walking and riding their horses on the trail is amazing.&nbsp;Baker said he expects to see more trails in Geary County with one aggressive initiative taking a trail from Wamego through Manhattan over Fort Riley to Milford Lake. Baker is urging KDOT to bring the trail down to Junction City and then to Herington to tie it into the Flint Hills Nature Trail. He said so far KDOT has been receptive. The State Represented noted that's a stretch, but there will be an effort to push hard to make it happen.Hawk, Clark and Baker spoke during a Chamber of Commerce Legislative Coffee on Saturday at the Junction City Municipal Building.

Legislators tackle the issues during Junction City forum

Volunteers including a large group of female veterans worked to pick up trash on East Chestnut Street in Junction City on Saturday. The event was led by Phyllis Fitzgerald who said East Chestnut is one of the main corridors coming into the community. "When people come off the interstate whether they're going east or west, and they come through that traffic circle, that's one of the first impressions they're going to get of our community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618107770072.jpeg" alt="cleanup saturday one.jpg" />
 <figcaption>cleanup saturday one.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Volunteers including a large group of female veterans worked to pick up trash on East Chestnut Street in Junction City on Saturday. The event was led by Phyllis Fitzgerald who said East Chestnut is one of the main corridors coming into the community. "When people come off the interstate whether they're going east or west, and they come through that traffic circle, that's one of the first impressions they're going to get of our community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618107786135.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618107801617.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Volunteers work to clean up trash on East Chestnut

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the best football players in Kansas State history will be getting his own bobblehead as K-State Athletics announced Monday that the miniature version of Darren Sproles will be made available to fans who are season ticket holders for the 2021 football season.

Sproles, who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December as part of the Class of 2021, will return to Manhattan for an on-campus recognition for the contest against Oklahoma on October 2.

All K-State Football season ticket account holders who renew or purchase by May 15 will receive one free Sproles bobblehead, which is designed based off the life-sized version inside the Vanier Family Football Complex. Each season ticket holder will also have the option to purchase up to three more bobbleheads per account for $35 apiece.

A product of Olathe, Kansas, Sproles is the sixth K-State player or coach to be selected to college football’s highest honor and the third in the last 10 years. A 2003 First Team All-American and three-time All-Big 12 performer, Sproles held 28 school records at the time of graduation, 21 of which still stand 16 seasons after his playing days. The Olathe, Kansas, product rushed for 4,979 career yards, which ranks third in Big 12 history and is nearly 2,000 yards more than any other player in K-State history. Sproles, who finished fifth in the 2003 Heisman Trophy voting and third in the Associated Press Player of the Year voting that same season, was a three-time All-American.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the best football players in Kansas State history will be getting his own bobblehead as K-State Athletics announced Monday that the miniature version of Darren Sproles will be made available to fans who are season ticket holders for the 2021 football season.Sproles, who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December as part of the Class of 2021, will return to Manhattan for an on-campus recognition for the contest against Oklahoma on October 2.All K-State Football season ticket account holders who renew or purchase by May 15 will receive one free Sproles bobblehead, which is designed based off the life-sized version inside the Vanier Family Football Complex. Each season ticket holder will also have the option to purchase up to three more bobbleheads per account for $35 apiece.A product of Olathe, Kansas, Sproles is the sixth K-State player or coach to be selected to college football’s highest honor and the third in the last 10 years. A 2003 First Team All-American and three-time All-Big 12 performer, Sproles held 28 school records at the time of graduation, 21 of which still stand 16 seasons after his playing days. The Olathe, Kansas, product rushed for 4,979 career yards, which ranks third in Big 12 history and is nearly 2,000 yards more than any other player in K-State history. Sproles, who finished fifth in the 2003 Heisman Trophy voting and third in the Associated Press Player of the Year voting that same season, was a three-time All-American.

K-State introduces Darren Sproles Bobblehead giveaway

CHICAGO (AP) — Michael A. Taylor scored when Garrett Crochet misplayed Andrew Benintendi’s bunt in the 10th inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Taylor opened the 10th on second base and advanced on Nicky Lopez’s sacrifice. After Whit Merrifield was walked intentionally, Benintendi bunted the ball right back to the mound. It looked as if Crochet had time to get Taylor at the plate, but he spiked his throw and catcher Zack Collins couldn’t come up with it. It was Chicago’s second error of the day and ninth overall in the first nine games.

CHICAGO (AP) — Michael A. Taylor scored when Garrett Crochet misplayed Andrew Benintendi’s bunt in the 10th inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Taylor opened the 10th on second base and advanced on Nicky Lopez’s sacrifice. After Whit Merrifield was walked intentionally, Benintendi bunted the ball right back to the mound. It looked as if Crochet had time to get Taylor at the plate, but he spiked his throw and catcher Zack Collins couldn’t come up with it. It was Chicago’s second error of the day and ninth overall in the first nine games.

Royals get an extra inning win

Due to inclement weather conditions today in Chicago, today’s Kansas City Royals-Chicago White Sox has been postponed. The game will be made up as part of a split doubleheader Friday, May 14th.

Due to inclement weather conditions today in Chicago, today’s Kansas City Royals-Chicago White Sox has been postponed. The game will be made up as part of a split doubleheader Friday, May 14th.

Royals - White Sox game postponed

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Lady Jay softball team went winless in their matchups with Topeka West on Friday. In game one, the Lady Jays fell 13-4, while in game two, play was suspended due to weather in the 5th inning tied 5-5.&nbsp;

In the first game, Junction City was tied 4-4 in the fifth inning before an explosion of offense from Topeka West plated nine runs in the final two innings.&nbsp;

The second game was a back to back affair that was shortened by weather. Tied at five in the fifth inning, play was suspended and it is yet to be determined if the game will be made up or completed in the future.&nbsp;

The Lady Jays are now 3-4 on the season. They will play at Highland Park on Friday, April 16th.&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Lady Jay softball team went winless in their matchups with Topeka West on Friday. In game one, the Lady Jays fell 13-4, while in game two, play was suspended due to weather in the 5th inning tied 5-5.&nbsp;In the first game, Junction City was tied 4-4 in the fifth inning before an explosion of offense from Topeka West plated nine runs in the final two innings.&nbsp;The second game was a back to back affair that was shortened by weather. Tied at five in the fifth inning, play was suspended and it is yet to be determined if the game will be made up or completed in the future.&nbsp;The Lady Jays are now 3-4 on the season. They will play at Highland Park on Friday, April 16th.&nbsp;

Weather shortens double-header for Lady Jay softball

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Junction City High School hosts Centennial League-rival Topeka West live from Cleary Park.&nbsp;

The Lady Jay softball team enters with an overall record of 3-3 on the season and 0-2 in Centennial League play.&nbsp;

The double-header will begin with game one at approximately 4p.m., with game two to follow.&nbsp;

The stream can be found on the Eagle Communications YouTube page here.

WEATHER NOTE: There are expected showers in the Junction City area in the late afternoon and early evening. This broadcast is weather permitting. Should rain, thunderstorms, or other forms of inclement weather occur, the broadcast will stop to prevent damage to equipment in an outdoor setting.&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Junction City High School hosts Centennial League-rival Topeka West live from Cleary Park.&nbsp;The Lady Jay softball team enters with an overall record of 3-3 on the season and 0-2 in Centennial League play.&nbsp;The double-header will begin with game one at approximately 4p.m., with game two to follow.&nbsp;The stream can be found on the Eagle Communications YouTube page here.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AqVFWRSieT4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WEATHER NOTE: There are expected showers in the Junction City area in the late afternoon and early evening. This broadcast is weather permitting. Should rain, thunderstorms, or other forms of inclement weather occur, the broadcast will stop to prevent damage to equipment in an outdoor setting.&nbsp;

Lady Jay Softball hosts Topeka West

CHICAGO (AP) — Lance Lynn pitched a five-hitter for the first complete game and shutout in the major leagues this season, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on a rainy Thursday. 

Yermín Mercedes kept up his scorching start with a 485-foot homer. Yoán Moncada went deep, and the White Sox gave manager Tony La Russa the win in his first home game on the South Side in 35 years. Lynn (1-0) struck out 11 and walked none in his second shutout in 238 career starts, his first since a five-hitter against the New York Yankees on May 27, 2014. Kansas City's Brad Keller got tagged for four runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

CHICAGO (AP) — Lance Lynn pitched a five-hitter for the first complete game and shutout in the major leagues this season, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on a rainy Thursday. Yermín Mercedes kept up his scorching start with a 485-foot homer. Yoán Moncada went deep, and the White Sox gave manager Tony La Russa the win in his first home game on the South Side in 35 years. Lynn (1-0) struck out 11 and walked none in his second shutout in 238 career starts, his first since a five-hitter against the New York Yankees on May 27, 2014. Kansas City's Brad Keller got tagged for four runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Royals are shut out by the White Sox

CHICAGO (April 8, 2021)&nbsp;— In its 36th year of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company today announced Taylor Briggs of Chapman High School as its 2020-2021 Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. Briggs is the first Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year to be chosen from Chapman High School.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Briggs as Kansas's best high school girls cross country player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade national Girls Cross Country Player of the Year award to be announced in April, Briggs joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Lukas Verzbicas (2010-11, 2009-10, Carl Sundburg High School, Orland Park, Ill.), Megan Goethals (2009-10, Rochester High School, Rochester Hills, Mich.), Jordan Hasay (2008-09, Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School, San Luis Obispo, Calif.) and Chris Derrick (2007-08, Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville, Ill.).&nbsp;

The 5-foot-3-inch senior distant talent broke the tape at the KSHSAA 4A State Championships with a time of 18:19.00, outdistancing her next-closest competitor by almost two minutes. Her state meet speed rating according to Dyestat and TallyRunners.com ranked No. 40 nationally among the Top 100 fastest competitors in the country. Just the sixth Kansas girls in history to win four state titles, Briggs finished 7-0 on the season to go undefeated on some of the state's most challenging racecourses, clocking a 5K personal-best 18:07.10 in the process. The two-time reigning Kansas Best of Preps Female cross Country Athlete of the Year and a nine-time state champion overall including track and field, Briggs raced and trained as the only girl on the Chapman team in both 2019 and 2020.&nbsp;

Briggs is a four-year member of her school's Student Council and served as her class president her freshman year. An American Youth Foundation National Leadership Award-winner in 2020, she has been a member of both Students Against Destructive Driving Decisions and her school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. Briggs has volunteered locally at a library, a soup kitchen and on behalf of community service initiatives with her church community. Also a member of her church bell choir, she has served as a peer tutor, a community pool swim instructor and has assisted at a youth track and field camp. "In the six years I've known Taylor as a student-athlete, I can confidently say she has it all," said Cindy Zumbrunn, head coach at Chapman High. "By that I mean natural ability, self-motivation, work ethic, desire, determination and grit. On top of that, she's responsible, dependable, conscientious and respectful."&nbsp;

Briggs has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to run on scholarship at Iowa State University this fall.&nbsp;

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track &amp; field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which works with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.&nbsp;

Briggs joins recent Kansas Girls Cross Country Players of the Year Hope Jackson (2019-20, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School), Jaybe Shufelberger (2018-19, Washburn Rural High School), Olivia Sovereign (2017-18, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School), and Molly Born (2016-17, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School), among the state's list of former award winners.&nbsp;

Through Gatorade's cause marketing platform "Play it Forward," Briggs has the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national youth sports organization of their choosing. Briggs is also eligible to submit a 30-second video explaining why the organization they chose is deserving of one of twelve $10,000 spotlight grants, which will be announced throughout the year. To date, Gatorade Player of the Year winners' grants have totaled more than $2.7 million across 1,117 organizations.&nbsp;

Since the program's inception in 1985, Gatorade Player of the Year award recipients have won hundreds of professional and college championships, and many have also turned into pillars in their communities, becoming coaches, business owners and educators.&nbsp;

To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit <a href="http://www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com">www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com</a>, on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY">www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY</a> or follow us on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Gatorade">www.twitter.com/Gatorade</a>.&nbsp;

CHICAGO (April 8, 2021)&nbsp;— In its 36th year of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company today announced Taylor Briggs of Chapman High School as its 2020-2021 Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. Briggs is the first Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year to be chosen from Chapman High School.The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Briggs as Kansas's best high school girls cross country player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade national Girls Cross Country Player of the Year award to be announced in April, Briggs joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Lukas Verzbicas (2010-11, 2009-10, Carl Sundburg High School, Orland Park, Ill.), Megan Goethals (2009-10, Rochester High School, Rochester Hills, Mich.), Jordan Hasay (2008-09, Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School, San Luis Obispo, Calif.) and Chris Derrick (2007-08, Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville, Ill.).&nbsp;The 5-foot-3-inch senior distant talent broke the tape at the KSHSAA 4A State Championships with a time of 18:19.00, outdistancing her next-closest competitor by almost two minutes. Her state meet speed rating according to Dyestat and TallyRunners.com ranked No. 40 nationally among the Top 100 fastest competitors in the country. Just the sixth Kansas girls in history to win four state titles, Briggs finished 7-0 on the season to go undefeated on some of the state's most challenging racecourses, clocking a 5K personal-best 18:07.10 in the process. The two-time reigning Kansas Best of Preps Female cross Country Athlete of the Year and a nine-time state champion overall including track and field, Briggs raced and trained as the only girl on the Chapman team in both 2019 and 2020.&nbsp;Briggs is a four-year member of her school's Student Council and served as her class president her freshman year. An American Youth Foundation National Leadership Award-winner in 2020, she has been a member of both Students Against Destructive Driving Decisions and her school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. Briggs has volunteered locally at a library, a soup kitchen and on behalf of community service initiatives with her church community. Also a member of her church bell choir, she has served as a peer tutor, a community pool swim instructor and has assisted at a youth track and field camp. "In the six years I've known Taylor as a student-athlete, I can confidently say she has it all," said Cindy Zumbrunn, head coach at Chapman High. "By that I mean natural ability, self-motivation, work ethic, desire, determination and grit. On top of that, she's responsible, dependable, conscientious and respectful."&nbsp;Briggs has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to run on scholarship at Iowa State University this fall.&nbsp;The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track &amp; field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which works with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.&nbsp;Briggs joins recent Kansas Girls Cross Country Players of the Year Hope Jackson (2019-20, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School), Jaybe Shufelberger (2018-19, Washburn Rural High School), Olivia Sovereign (2017-18, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School), and Molly Born (2016-17, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School), among the state's list of former award winners.&nbsp;Through Gatorade's cause marketing platform "Play it Forward," Briggs has the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national youth sports organization of their choosing. Briggs is also eligible to submit a 30-second video explaining why the organization they chose is deserving of one of twelve $10,000 spotlight grants, which will be announced throughout the year. To date, Gatorade Player of the Year winners' grants have totaled more than $2.7 million across 1,117 organizations.&nbsp;Since the program's inception in 1985, Gatorade Player of the Year award recipients have won hundreds of professional and college championships, and many have also turned into pillars in their communities, becoming coaches, business owners and educators.&nbsp;To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit <a href="http://www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com">www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com</a>, on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY">www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY</a> or follow us on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Gatorade">www.twitter.com/Gatorade</a>.&nbsp;

Chapman student-athlete named Gatorade Girls Cross Country Player of the Year

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Indians claimed the series finale of their two-game stint against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon, 4-2.&nbsp;

The Royals claimed an early lead off of a solo home run from Salvador Perez in the top of the 4th inning, and starter Jakob Junis shutout the Indians in five innings of work, allowing just one hit, but Cleveland would strike back in the 6th.&nbsp;

A two-run home run from Cleveland's Jose Ramirez gave the Indians their firs runs of the day; however, the Royals would tie the game at 2 in the top of the 7th, thanks to an RBI single from shortstop Nicky Lopez.&nbsp;

The Royals' bullpen would surrender the lead for the final time in the bottom of the 8th once again to Jose Ramirez. The Indian third baseman crushed his second two-run homer of the afternoon to clinch the victory and salvage a series split.&nbsp;

Kansas City falls to 3-2 on the young season, while Cleveland improved to 2-3.&nbsp;

The Royals will be back in action on Thursday afternoon in yet another matinee contest when they take on the Chicago White Sox at 3:10 PM.&nbsp;

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Indians claimed the series finale of their two-game stint against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon, 4-2.&nbsp;The Royals claimed an early lead off of a solo home run from Salvador Perez in the top of the 4th inning, and starter Jakob Junis shutout the Indians in five innings of work, allowing just one hit, but Cleveland would strike back in the 6th.&nbsp;A two-run home run from Cleveland's Jose Ramirez gave the Indians their firs runs of the day; however, the Royals would tie the game at 2 in the top of the 7th, thanks to an RBI single from shortstop Nicky Lopez.&nbsp;The Royals' bullpen would surrender the lead for the final time in the bottom of the 8th once again to Jose Ramirez. The Indian third baseman crushed his second two-run homer of the afternoon to clinch the victory and salvage a series split.&nbsp;Kansas City falls to 3-2 on the young season, while Cleveland improved to 2-3.&nbsp;The Royals will be back in action on Thursday afternoon in yet another matinee contest when they take on the Chicago White Sox at 3:10 PM.&nbsp;

Royals fall to Cleveland, 4-2

Junction City fell to Emporia in girls softball at Cleary Field 9-7 and 8-1 Tuesday evening. The Lady Jays are 3-3 on the season.

In game one, the Lady Jays jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the second inning thanks to timely hitting. Sending ten batters to the plate, and tallying five base hits in the frame.&nbsp;

Emporia would hold the Lady Jays scoreless for the next three innings before the Spartans would finally score two in the 5th, but JCHS would get one back in the bottom of the inning, taking a 7-2 lead to the sixth.

In the sixth, Emporia would score three to get within 7-5 of the Lady Jays.&nbsp;

The 7th inning saw a Spartan rally of four runs to take their first lead of the game at 9-7.&nbsp;

Junction City would get two baserunners with two outs in the bottom of the 7th, but would be unable to tie the game.&nbsp;

In game two, Emporia would score three runs in the second and four in the sixth to lead 7-0 heading to the bottom of the inning. Junction City's bats had been silenced for much of the second game, but finally they would scratch across one run in the bottom of the 6th to trail 7-1.

Emporia would tally one final insurance run before shutting down the Jays in the final inning to win 8-1.

Lady Jay Head coach Aaron Craig felt encouraged by his team's effort, despite the losses on Tuesday. "We've got a young team. We have some seniors that have been a part of our program, but we have a lot of young girls as far as out here on the field experience at the high school level," said Craig. "I'm happy with the bats that we're swinging though because we've been in some situations in the past where we don't swing a bat. Once you start swinging, eventually it's going to work for you."

Junction City will host Topeka West on Friday.

Junction City fell to Emporia in girls softball at Cleary Field 9-7 and 8-1 Tuesday evening. The Lady Jays are 3-3 on the season.In game one, the Lady Jays jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the second inning thanks to timely hitting. Sending ten batters to the plate, and tallying five base hits in the frame.&nbsp;Emporia would hold the Lady Jays scoreless for the next three innings before the Spartans would finally score two in the 5th, but JCHS would get one back in the bottom of the inning, taking a 7-2 lead to the sixth.In the sixth, Emporia would score three to get within 7-5 of the Lady Jays.&nbsp;The 7th inning saw a Spartan rally of four runs to take their first lead of the game at 9-7.&nbsp;Junction City would get two baserunners with two outs in the bottom of the 7th, but would be unable to tie the game.&nbsp;In game two, Emporia would score three runs in the second and four in the sixth to lead 7-0 heading to the bottom of the inning. Junction City's bats had been silenced for much of the second game, but finally they would scratch across one run in the bottom of the 6th to trail 7-1.Emporia would tally one final insurance run before shutting down the Jays in the final inning to win 8-1.Lady Jay Head coach Aaron Craig felt encouraged by his team's effort, despite the losses on Tuesday. "We've got a young team. We have some seniors that have been a part of our program, but we have a lot of young girls as far as out here on the field experience at the high school level," said Craig. "I'm happy with the bats that we're swinging though because we've been in some situations in the past where we don't swing a bat. Once you start swinging, eventually it's going to work for you."Junction City will host Topeka West on Friday.

Lady Jay softball falls to Emporia

The Junction City Blue Jay baseball team swept the Emporia Spartans in baseball 9-5 in eight innings and 13-4. The wins left Junction City 3-2 on the season.

Junction City used a big top of the eighth inning to put runs on the scoreboard, said Coach Carl Laughlin. "And then went out and shut them down in the bottom of the eighth. " The second game went the entire seven-inning distance.&nbsp;

Laughlin noted that a lot of players got to pitch and there were a lot of at-bats. It was the first doubleheader sweep of the season for Junction City.

The Blue Jays play Highland Park at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka on Friday.

The Junction City Blue Jay baseball team swept the Emporia Spartans in baseball 9-5 in eight innings and 13-4. The wins left Junction City 3-2 on the season.Junction City used a big top of the eighth inning to put runs on the scoreboard, said Coach Carl Laughlin. "And then went out and shut them down in the bottom of the eighth. " The second game went the entire seven-inning distance.&nbsp;Laughlin noted that a lot of players got to pitch and there were a lot of at-bats. It was the first doubleheader sweep of the season for Junction City.The Blue Jays play Highland Park at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka on Friday.

Blue Jays sweep Emporia in baseball

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. There was no immediate report on the exact number of people shot or the extent of their injuries. 

The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. Authorities did not immediately say how many people were shot or disclose the extent of their injuries. 

The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. 

The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. 

Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618260444077.png" alt="&nbsp;Multiple agencies on the scene of a shooting at Austin-East Magnet High School. Multiple gunshot victims reported, including a Knoxville Police officer-photo courtesy Knoxville Police" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Multiple agencies on the scene of a shooting at Austin-East Magnet High School. Multiple gunshot victims reported, including a Knoxville Police officer-photo courtesy Knoxville Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. There was no immediate report on the exact number of people shot or the extent of their injuries. The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. Authorities did not immediately say how many people were shot or disclose the extent of their injuries. The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.---------KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.

Police: Multiple victims in Tennessee high school shooting

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid was charged Monday with driving while intoxicated resulting in serious physical injury after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-super-bowl-michael-brown-football-048d9a7585d07dfcd4f218df9d50a074">a crash</a>&nbsp;that left a 5-year-old girl critically injured.

The Jackson County prosecutor’s office said Reid’s blood alcohol content shortly after the Feb. 4 crash was .113, above the legal limit of .08. He also was driving about 84 mph in a 65 mph zone seconds before his truck crashed into two cars stopped on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near Arrowhead Stadium.

One of the vehicles had stalled because its battery was dead and the second was owned by a cousin who had arrived to help, according to the charging documents.

A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury. Her family’s attorney told The Kansas City Star Monday that she was released from the hospital April 2 and is being treated at her home. She is unable to talk or walk and is being fed through a feeding tube.

Reid, the son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison if he’s convicted. He was expected to surrender to police later Wednesday. Prosecutors sought a $100,000 bond.

Charging documents say Reid told police he had just left work and was looking over his shoulder to see if he could merge onto the interstate when he hit a stalled vehicle on the shoulder of the road and then hit a second vehicle. Reid called 911 shortly after the crash, police said.

A Kansas City police officer who responded said he could smell alcohol and Reid’s eyes were bloodshot and red, according to the documents.

The Chiefs said in a statement Monday the organization “remains steadfast in our concern for all who have been impacted by this tragic accident. Our prayers are focused on Ariel’s continued healing and recovery. The Chiefs are regularly in contact with the family’s designated representative during this challenging time.”

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker said in a statement that Missouri law limited the charges that could be brought against Reid given the evidence available, but said her office “will vigorously pursue these charges and Reid is not receiving any favorable treatment from Kansas City police or the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.”

The family’s attorney, Tom Porto, told the Star the charges were, “absolutely appropriate under the circumstances. The prosecuting attorney and police department engaged in an extremely thorough investigation that ended with the appropriate charge.”

Britt Reid, the Chiefs’ former linebackers coach, underwent surgery after the crash, which happened the week before the Chiefs played in the Super Bowl. He did not accompany the team to the game in Florida.

He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-football-andy-reid-kansas-city-chiefs-dd7636f51135833dd2b903d22dcac099">placed on administrative leave</a>&nbsp;after the crash and his contract was allowed to expire, ending his employment with the Chiefs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612784011749.png" alt="A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the crash. -Photo courtesy GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the crash. -Photo courtesy GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid was charged Monday with driving while intoxicated resulting in serious physical injury after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-super-bowl-michael-brown-football-048d9a7585d07dfcd4f218df9d50a074">a crash</a>&nbsp;that left a 5-year-old girl critically injured.The Jackson County prosecutor’s office said Reid’s blood alcohol content shortly after the Feb. 4 crash was .113, above the legal limit of .08. He also was driving about 84 mph in a 65 mph zone seconds before his truck crashed into two cars stopped on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near Arrowhead Stadium.One of the vehicles had stalled because its battery was dead and the second was owned by a cousin who had arrived to help, according to the charging documents.A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury. Her family’s attorney told The Kansas City Star Monday that she was released from the hospital April 2 and is being treated at her home. She is unable to talk or walk and is being fed through a feeding tube.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612570726901.png" alt="Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>Reid, the son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison if he’s convicted. He was expected to surrender to police later Wednesday. Prosecutors sought a $100,000 bond.Charging documents say Reid told police he had just left work and was looking over his shoulder to see if he could merge onto the interstate when he hit a stalled vehicle on the shoulder of the road and then hit a second vehicle. Reid called 911 shortly after the crash, police said.A Kansas City police officer who responded said he could smell alcohol and Reid’s eyes were bloodshot and red, according to the documents.The Chiefs said in a statement Monday the organization “remains steadfast in our concern for all who have been impacted by this tragic accident. Our prayers are focused on Ariel’s continued healing and recovery. The Chiefs are regularly in contact with the family’s designated representative during this challenging time.”Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker said in a statement that Missouri law limited the charges that could be brought against Reid given the evidence available, but said her office “will vigorously pursue these charges and Reid is not receiving any favorable treatment from Kansas City police or the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.”The family’s attorney, Tom Porto, told the Star the charges were, “absolutely appropriate under the circumstances. The prosecuting attorney and police department engaged in an extremely thorough investigation that ended with the appropriate charge.”Britt Reid, the Chiefs’ former linebackers coach, underwent surgery after the crash, which happened the week before the Chiefs played in the Super Bowl. He did not accompany the team to the game in Florida.He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-football-andy-reid-kansas-city-chiefs-dd7636f51135833dd2b903d22dcac099">placed on administrative leave</a>&nbsp;after the crash and his contract was allowed to expire, ending his employment with the Chiefs.___

Ex-KC Chiefs coach charged with DUI in crash that injured girl

PRATT COUNTY –&nbsp;The Pratt Police Department reported that 68-year-old Kenneth Gatlin was located deceased on Monday.

Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, Mr. Gatlin was discovered&nbsp; in rural Pratt County, northwest of Pratt, according to a media release from the KBI.

 He was found when a landowner contacted the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp; There was no indication of foul play, but an autopsy will be conducted.

PRATT COUNTY – On April 8, the Pratt Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a man missing from Pratt.&nbsp;

The whereabouts of 68-year-old Kenneth E. Gatlin are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

On Saturday, police in Pratt asked that everyone check the immediate property where they live and any land they may have. Pratt Police Department police officers have been working around the clock looking for Mr. Gatlin by both foot and car. Officers have checked park trails, walked railroad tracks, walked the drainage ditches, walked and driven alleys and everything in between. Police also had the help of the Pratt County Sheriffs Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and the KBI.

Gatlin was last seen at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, when it is believed he walked away from his care facility in Pratt. He was wearing a red and white jacket, khaki pants, cowboy boots, and a red hat.

Gatlin is a white male, approximately 5 ft.10 in. tall, weighing 190 lbs. He has blue eyes and red hair. Gatlin suffers from dementia and has difficulty communicating with others.

If you see Kenneth Gatlin, or know his whereabouts, please immediately contact the Pratt Police Department at 620-672-5551.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617924268602.png" alt="Gatlin -photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Gatlin -photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT COUNTY –&nbsp;The Pratt Police Department reported that 68-year-old Kenneth Gatlin was located deceased on Monday.Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, Mr. Gatlin was discovered&nbsp; in rural Pratt County, northwest of Pratt, according to a media release from the KBI. He was found when a landowner contacted the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp; There was no indication of foul play, but an autopsy will be conducted.--------PRATT COUNTY – On April 8, the Pratt Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a man missing from Pratt.&nbsp;The whereabouts of 68-year-old Kenneth E. Gatlin are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.On Saturday, police in Pratt asked that everyone check the immediate property where they live and any land they may have. Pratt Police Department police officers have been working around the clock looking for Mr. Gatlin by both foot and car. Officers have checked park trails, walked railroad tracks, walked the drainage ditches, walked and driven alleys and everything in between. Police also had the help of the Pratt County Sheriffs Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and the KBI.Gatlin was last seen at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, when it is believed he walked away from his care facility in Pratt. He was wearing a red and white jacket, khaki pants, cowboy boots, and a red hat.Gatlin is a white male, approximately 5 ft.10 in. tall, weighing 190 lbs. He has blue eyes and red hair. Gatlin suffers from dementia and has difficulty communicating with others.If you see Kenneth Gatlin, or know his whereabouts, please immediately contact the Pratt Police Department at 620-672-5551.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled for missing Kan. man 

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. colleges hoping for a return to normalcy next fall are weighing how far they should go in urging students to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including whether they should — or legally can — require it.

Universities including Rutgers, Brown, Cornell and Northeastern recently told students they must get vaccinated before returning to campus next fall. They hope to achieve herd immunity on campus, which they say would allow them to loosen spacing restrictions in classrooms and dorms.

But some colleges are leaving the decision to students, and others believe they can’t legally require vaccinations. At Virginia Tech, officials determined that they can’t because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only allowed the emergency use of the vaccines and hasn’t given them its full approval.

The question looms large as more colleges plan to shift back from remote to in-person instruction. Many schools have launched vaccination blitzes to get students immunized before they leave for the summer. At some schools, the added requirement is meant to encourage holdouts and to build confidence that students and faculty will be safe on campus.

“It takes away any ambiguity about whether individuals should be vaccinated,” said Kenneth Henderson, the chancellor of Northeastern University in Boston. “It also provides a level of confidence for the entire community that we are taking all appropriate measures.”

Northeastern and other colleges requiring shots believe they’re on solid legal ground. It’s not unusual for colleges to require students to be vaccinated for other types of diseases, and a California court last year upheld a flu shot requirement at the University of California system.

But legal scholars say the COVID-19 vaccines’ emergency use status moves the issue to a legal gray area that’s likely to be challenged in court, and some colleges may take a more cautious approach to avoid litigation.

Harvard Law professor Glenn Cohen, who teaches health law and bioethics, said there’s no legal reason colleges wouldn’t be allowed to require COVID-19 vaccinations. It makes no difference that the shots haven’t been given full approval, he said, noting that many colleges already require students to take coronavirus tests that are approved under the same FDA emergency authorization. But there’s also no federal guidance explicitly permitting vaccination mandates.

The biggest clashes could come in states taking a stance against vaccination requirements, he said.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fort-myers-miami-orlando-fort-lauderdale-florida-d2f3bc41dd70f812bdd5becea2bcfbbd">banned all businesses</a>&nbsp;from requiring customers to show proof of vaccination. The order raises questions about Nova Southeastern University’s plan to require students and staff to get vaccinated. The college’s president said he’s still confident in the plan, but he also promised to “respect the laws of our state and all federal directives.”

The governor of Texas, the country’s second-largest state,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-state-governments-coronavirus-pandemic-greg-abbott-texas-23258aae7f8bd7df98a4b93834d62d88">issued a similar order.</a>

There’s a parallel debate about whether to require vaccination for faculty and staff, an issue that employers across the nation are grappling with. At the University of Notre Dame, one of the latest schools to require student vaccinations, shots are still optional for workers. Northeastern is considering whether to extend its mandate to employees.

Even at schools making shots mandatory, there are exemptions. Federal law requires colleges to provide accommodations to students who refuse a vaccine for medical reasons, and most schools are also offering exemptions for religious reasons.

At Brown, students who forgo shots and have no valid exemption must file a petition to study remotely or take a leave of absence next fall, the school’s president, Christina Paxson, told students in a letter last week.

But enforcing vaccine mandates will bring its own challenges. Cornell and Northeastern say students will be asked to show proof of vaccination, but there is no widely accepted vaccine credential. Cornell told students they can provide the card given out at their vaccination site, but card formats vary and generally seem like they would be easy to forge.

At Northeastern, officials are still deciding whether students will have to provide a medical record proving they were vaccinated or whether they will be allowed to attest to having been immunized — essentially taking their word for it.

“We would expect students to be honest and forthright about any attestation they make to the university,” Henderson said.

Northeastern student Tyler Lee said he thinks requiring vaccinations is the right move because it will help stop the virus’ spread and protect the community around the downtown Boston campus. There has been some pushback from parents, but little from students, he said.

“It’s Northeastern’s decision,” said Lee, a senior who is awaiting his second shot. “If I didn’t like it, I would transfer. And that’s what most students feel.”

Ariana Palomo, an incoming freshman at Brown, said the university’s mandate sends the message that it’s serious about keeping students safe. She was “happy and relieved” when she heard about it, she said.

“I know that I’m going to feel so much safer on campus,” said Palomo, 18. “This is the next step in protecting one another and preventing more lives from being lost.”

Schools expect some pushback, and Republican student groups on some campuses have opposed mandates, saying it should be a choice.

Colleges are also grappling with what to expect of international students, who may not have access to vaccines in their home countries or who may get shots that are not used in the United States. Some colleges say they’re planning to develop arrangements to make shots available for international students when they arrive.

Other colleges are using a lighter touch to promote shots, including at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, which is exempting students from a campus mask mandate two weeks after they are fully vaccinated.

Many others are hoping a word of encouragement will be enough. Campus officials at Bowdoin College in Maine said it’s their “hope and expectation” that all students will get shots. Harvard University officials “strongly recommend” that students get vaccinated but have stopped short of a mandate.

Some, including Dartmouth College, are waiting for shots to become more widely available before making a decision. Diana Lawrence, a spokesperson for Dartmouth, said officials “cannot make a determination regarding required vaccination until vaccines are accessible for all students.”

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. colleges hoping for a return to normalcy next fall are weighing how far they should go in urging students to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including whether they should — or legally can — require it.Universities including Rutgers, Brown, Cornell and Northeastern recently told students they must get vaccinated before returning to campus next fall. They hope to achieve herd immunity on campus, which they say would allow them to loosen spacing restrictions in classrooms and dorms.But some colleges are leaving the decision to students, and others believe they can’t legally require vaccinations. At Virginia Tech, officials determined that they can’t because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only allowed the emergency use of the vaccines and hasn’t given them its full approval.The question looms large as more colleges plan to shift back from remote to in-person instruction. Many schools have launched vaccination blitzes to get students immunized before they leave for the summer. At some schools, the added requirement is meant to encourage holdouts and to build confidence that students and faculty will be safe on campus.“It takes away any ambiguity about whether individuals should be vaccinated,” said Kenneth Henderson, the chancellor of Northeastern University in Boston. “It also provides a level of confidence for the entire community that we are taking all appropriate measures.”Northeastern and other colleges requiring shots believe they’re on solid legal ground. It’s not unusual for colleges to require students to be vaccinated for other types of diseases, and a California court last year upheld a flu shot requirement at the University of California system.But legal scholars say the COVID-19 vaccines’ emergency use status moves the issue to a legal gray area that’s likely to be challenged in court, and some colleges may take a more cautious approach to avoid litigation.Harvard Law professor Glenn Cohen, who teaches health law and bioethics, said there’s no legal reason colleges wouldn’t be allowed to require COVID-19 vaccinations. It makes no difference that the shots haven’t been given full approval, he said, noting that many colleges already require students to take coronavirus tests that are approved under the same FDA emergency authorization. But there’s also no federal guidance explicitly permitting vaccination mandates.The biggest clashes could come in states taking a stance against vaccination requirements, he said.In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fort-myers-miami-orlando-fort-lauderdale-florida-d2f3bc41dd70f812bdd5becea2bcfbbd">banned all businesses</a>&nbsp;from requiring customers to show proof of vaccination. The order raises questions about Nova Southeastern University’s plan to require students and staff to get vaccinated. The college’s president said he’s still confident in the plan, but he also promised to “respect the laws of our state and all federal directives.”The governor of Texas, the country’s second-largest state,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-state-governments-coronavirus-pandemic-greg-abbott-texas-23258aae7f8bd7df98a4b93834d62d88">issued a similar order.</a>There’s a parallel debate about whether to require vaccination for faculty and staff, an issue that employers across the nation are grappling with. At the University of Notre Dame, one of the latest schools to require student vaccinations, shots are still optional for workers. Northeastern is considering whether to extend its mandate to employees.Even at schools making shots mandatory, there are exemptions. Federal law requires colleges to provide accommodations to students who refuse a vaccine for medical reasons, and most schools are also offering exemptions for religious reasons.At Brown, students who forgo shots and have no valid exemption must file a petition to study remotely or take a leave of absence next fall, the school’s president, Christina Paxson, told students in a letter last week.But enforcing vaccine mandates will bring its own challenges. Cornell and Northeastern say students will be asked to show proof of vaccination, but there is no widely accepted vaccine credential. Cornell told students they can provide the card given out at their vaccination site, but card formats vary and generally seem like they would be easy to forge.At Northeastern, officials are still deciding whether students will have to provide a medical record proving they were vaccinated or whether they will be allowed to attest to having been immunized — essentially taking their word for it.“We would expect students to be honest and forthright about any attestation they make to the university,” Henderson said.Northeastern student Tyler Lee said he thinks requiring vaccinations is the right move because it will help stop the virus’ spread and protect the community around the downtown Boston campus. There has been some pushback from parents, but little from students, he said.“It’s Northeastern’s decision,” said Lee, a senior who is awaiting his second shot. “If I didn’t like it, I would transfer. And that’s what most students feel.”Ariana Palomo, an incoming freshman at Brown, said the university’s mandate sends the message that it’s serious about keeping students safe. She was “happy and relieved” when she heard about it, she said.“I know that I’m going to feel so much safer on campus,” said Palomo, 18. “This is the next step in protecting one another and preventing more lives from being lost.”Schools expect some pushback, and Republican student groups on some campuses have opposed mandates, saying it should be a choice.Colleges are also grappling with what to expect of international students, who may not have access to vaccines in their home countries or who may get shots that are not used in the United States. Some colleges say they’re planning to develop arrangements to make shots available for international students when they arrive.Other colleges are using a lighter touch to promote shots, including at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, which is exempting students from a campus mask mandate two weeks after they are fully vaccinated.Many others are hoping a word of encouragement will be enough. Campus officials at Bowdoin College in Maine said it’s their “hope and expectation” that all students will get shots. Harvard University officials “strongly recommend” that students get vaccinated but have stopped short of a mandate.Some, including Dartmouth College, are waiting for shots to become more widely available before making a decision. Diana Lawrence, a spokesperson for Dartmouth, said officials “cannot make a determination regarding required vaccination until vaccines are accessible for all students.”

U.S. colleges divided over requiring student vaccinations

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden White House is amplifying the push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">its $2.3 trillion infrastructure package</a>&nbsp;with the release of state-by-state breakdowns that show the dire shape of roads, bridges, the power grid and housing affordability.

The figures in the state summaries, obtained by The Associated Press, paint a decidedly bleak outlook for the world’s largest economy after years of repairs being deferred and delayed. They suggest that too much infrastructure is unsafe for vehicles at any speed, while highlighting the costs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/weather">extreme weather events</a>&nbsp;that have become more frequent with climate change as well as dead spots for broadband and a dearth of child care options.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet Monday afternoon with Republican and Democratic lawmakers and can use the state summaries to show that his plan would help meet the needs of their constituents.

Drawn from an array of private and public data, the reports show there are 7,300 miles of highway in Michigan alone that are in poor condition. Damaged streets in North Carolina impose an average yearly cost of $500 on motorists. Iowa has 4,571 bridges in need of repair. There is a roughly 4-in-10 chance that a public transit vehicle in Indiana might be ready for the scrap yard. Pennsylvania’s schools are short $1.4 billion for maintenance and upgrades.

The administration is banking that the data will confirm the everyday experiences of Americans as they bump over potholes, get trapped in traffic jams and wait for buses that almost never correspond to published schedules. There is already a receptive audience to the sales pitch, and the strategy is that public support can overcome any congressional misgivings.

“We don’t have a lot of work to do to persuade the American people that U.S. infrastructure needs major improvement,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-transportation-secretary-infrastructure-bb883b4af7b9c700d0ef2b7c29d7a5b0">Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg</a>&nbsp;said on Fox News Channel’s “Fox News Sunday” ahead of the reports’ release. “The American people already know it.”

Republican lawmakers have been quick to reject the infrastructure proposal from Biden. They say just a fraction of the spending goes to traditional infrastructure, as $400 billion would expand Medicaid support for caregivers and substantial portions would fund electric vehicle charging stations and address the racial injustice of highways that were built in ways that destroyed Black neighborhoods.

The reports give some data to back up their argument that more money should be spent on roads and bridges. Biden’s plan would modernize 20,000 miles worth of roadways, but California by itself has 14,220 miles of highway in poor condition.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden White House is amplifying the push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">its $2.3 trillion infrastructure package</a>&nbsp;with the release of state-by-state breakdowns that show the dire shape of roads, bridges, the power grid and housing affordability.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618251319025.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The figures in the state summaries, obtained by The Associated Press, paint a decidedly bleak outlook for the world’s largest economy after years of repairs being deferred and delayed. They suggest that too much infrastructure is unsafe for vehicles at any speed, while highlighting the costs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/weather">extreme weather events</a>&nbsp;that have become more frequent with climate change as well as dead spots for broadband and a dearth of child care options.President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet Monday afternoon with Republican and Democratic lawmakers and can use the state summaries to show that his plan would help meet the needs of their constituents.Drawn from an array of private and public data, the reports show there are 7,300 miles of highway in Michigan alone that are in poor condition. Damaged streets in North Carolina impose an average yearly cost of $500 on motorists. Iowa has 4,571 bridges in need of repair. There is a roughly 4-in-10 chance that a public transit vehicle in Indiana might be ready for the scrap yard. Pennsylvania’s schools are short $1.4 billion for maintenance and upgrades.The administration is banking that the data will confirm the everyday experiences of Americans as they bump over potholes, get trapped in traffic jams and wait for buses that almost never correspond to published schedules. There is already a receptive audience to the sales pitch, and the strategy is that public support can overcome any congressional misgivings.“We don’t have a lot of work to do to persuade the American people that U.S. infrastructure needs major improvement,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-transportation-secretary-infrastructure-bb883b4af7b9c700d0ef2b7c29d7a5b0">Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg</a>&nbsp;said on Fox News Channel’s “Fox News Sunday” ahead of the reports’ release. “The American people already know it.”Republican lawmakers have been quick to reject the infrastructure proposal from Biden. They say just a fraction of the spending goes to traditional infrastructure, as $400 billion would expand Medicaid support for caregivers and substantial portions would fund electric vehicle charging stations and address the racial injustice of highways that were built in ways that destroyed Black neighborhoods.The reports give some data to back up their argument that more money should be spent on roads and bridges. Biden’s plan would modernize 20,000 miles worth of roadways, but California by itself has 14,220 miles of highway in poor condition.Republican lawmakers also object to funding the package by increasing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/corporate-taxes">the corporate tax rate</a>&nbsp;from 21% to 28% and increasing the global minimum tax, among other tax changes including stepped-up IRS enforcement being proposed by the Biden administration.“This is a massive social welfare spending program combined with a massive tax increase on small-business job creators,” Sen Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “I can’t think of a worse thing to do.”Yet the state-by-state reports make clear that many of the people Wicker represents could benefit from the package, an aspect of the Biden effort to engender the backing of voters across party lines.Wicker was among four Republicans on the White House guest list for Biden’s Monday meeting, along with Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Reps. Garret Graves of Louisiana and Don Young of Alaska. Democrats on the list were Sens. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Alex Padilla of California and Reps. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey and David Price of North Carolina.Mississippi needs $4.8 billion for drinking water and $289 million for schools. Nearly a quarter of households lack an internet subscription, and a similar percentage lives in areas without broadband. Mississippians who use public transportation have to devote an extra 87.7% of their time to commuting.___

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