You can have your voice heard and receive information from the candidates for office when the&nbsp;Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce will host candidate forums on two evenings at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

Candidates for county clerk, county commission district two, sheriff and 68th district house participate in the forum Thursday, Oct. 3rd. Candidates for 65th District house, 17th district state senate and state school board will participate in a forum Thursday, Oct. 10th.

--county clerk, Courtney Gilbert, Kim Bradney

--county commission district two, Alex Tyson, Kathy Tremont

--68th district house, Nathan Butler, Michael Seymour

--65th district house, Lorraine Ceniceros, Shaun Chauncey

--state senate district 17, Lillian Lingenfelter, Mike Argabright

--state board of education, Dr. Beryl New, Dr. Bruce Schultz

Chamber of Commerce candidate forums are scheduled

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Phone and internet services are vital to accessing healthcare and community services, finding employment, and calling for help in an emergency. However, the cost to stay connected is out of reach for many Kansans.

In observance of Lifeline Awareness Week, September 8-14, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in creating awareness of the Lifeline program and encourages those in need of assistance to apply.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts of up to $17.02 per month to help pay for residential or wireless phone service, internet, or a bundled phone and internet plan. Subscribers living on tribal lands qualify for additional discounts. Currently, nearly 8 million Americans, including 23,000 in Kansas, are enrolled in the program.

Eligibility&nbsp;is based on income&nbsp;(at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) or participation in certain assistance programs such as:

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Ftelecommunications%2Flifeline%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010191d788668b-1719c874-232e-4ef6-8c3c-8860e93752c6-000000/bRpVzzS2ntyXPmmq1Lf0gJCBpOTIJKRUhPF_T1HNnmU=369">KCC’s website</a>&nbsp;or by calling 800-662-0027.

Lifeline helps low-income Kansans stay connected

I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to gently remind you that our budget hearing is on September 17, 2024, at the Municipal Court Building. This marks my inaugural budget hearing, and I am eagerly anticipating the chance to participate and gather valuable insights and recommendations for next year's budget.

If there are any materials or preparations you require in advance, please tell me. Additionally, if you would like a copy of the budget, it will be included in the Commission packet, or you can contact me at jamel.wilcox@jcks.com, and I would be happy to send it

Junction City 515 Report

&nbsp;Geary USD 475 says that school district,&nbsp; the Junction City Police Department and the Geary County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a post made on Snapchat on Friday morning that featured the names of students and staff from Junction City Middle School.

As of Friday, Sept. 13, the Junction City Police Department began working with Snapchat to try and identify the account holder where the list originated from.&nbsp;Due to the nature of this snap and as a precautionary measure, there will be an increased officer presence at Junction City Middle School, Fort Riley Middle School and Junction City High School over the coming days

The Junction City Police Department, Geary County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Riley Police Department and USD 475 are fully committed to the safety and well-being of all students and staff within the community.

Geary USD 475 issues safety alert

Legislation would prevent federal government from seizing land for proposed transmission corridor

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;-&nbsp;U.S. Senators Jerry Moran, R-KS, and Roger Marshall, R-KS and First District Congressman Tracey Mann, R-KS, introduced legislation to prevent the federal government from using taxpayer dollars to seize private property to be used for a proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC).

The&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a NIETC proposal to consider transmission line across&nbsp;major segments of&nbsp;Kansas, including <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/099d982a-98ff-4352-8a78-a592e5b71d28">Pawnee, Barton, and Russell counties</a>.

SEE RELATED STORY: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d80465bc-cabd-4a80-9d54-6a70690a6c68">'Clear violation of states' rights': Rep. Waymaster fights transmission line</a>

Through the implementation of the Biden-Harris Administration’s&nbsp;Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,&nbsp;the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would have&nbsp;increased&nbsp;authority to site electric transmission lines&nbsp;on lands designated a NIETC – even when state regulators have denied an application.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I am vehemently opposed to any effort by the federal government to seize private land,”&nbsp;said Mann.&nbsp;“The Department of Energy’s phase 2 announcement of the NIETC proposal was grossly under publicized, overly vague, and left landowners with no clarity regarding whether their lands would be impacted. 

"We have heard Kansans loud and clear—they are not interested in the federal government grabbing their land. We introduced this legislation to protect the rights of Kansas landowners and prevent the federal government from treading on their liberties. Any land given to the federal government for this project should be voluntary, not mandated, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;will never stop fighting to defend that right.”

“Kansans have made it clear to the federal government that their land is not for sale,”&nbsp;said Moran.&nbsp;

“The NIETC proposal has been problematic from the start&nbsp;since&nbsp;the DOE permitted&nbsp;only&nbsp;45 days for folks to submit their comments regarding the proposed transmission line," Moran said. "Sen. Marshall, Congressman Mann and I introduced legislation, the passage of which would prohibit the Department of Energy from trampling on the rights of Kansas landowners or usurping the authority of state regulators in order to build a transmission line across Kansas. These decisions should be left up to Kansans,&nbsp;not Washington.”

“Bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. should not have the unchecked authority to approve projects that could strip Kansans of their property rights,”&nbsp;said Marshall.&nbsp;“It’s as simple as this: decisions affecting local lands should always rest with the states.”

“Kansas Farm Bureau appreciates the leadership of Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Rep. Tracey Mann in introducing legislation to level the playing field and encourage good faith negotiations for the siting and building of electric transmission lines,”&nbsp;said Joe Newland, president of Kansas Farm Bureau.

&nbsp;“Additionally, this bill recognizes the important voice state regulators have in the process. While our policy supports reliable, low-cost electricity, and increasing transmission capacity to keep pace with growing demand, without vital protections included in this legislation, landowners will continue to face unilateral ultimatums from transmission developers who are using taxpayer dollars to build infrastructure," Newland said.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ban federal funds from being used to condemn private property to be used in a NIETC designation, and

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prohibit FERC from using its authority to overrule a state regulator’s rejection of an electric transmission project.

Rep. Mann, Senator Moran, and Senator Marshall&nbsp;secured an agreement from DOE to continue accepting comments regarding the NIETC proposal in Kansas. 

If a Kansan would like to offer comments on the proposed transmission line to the Department of Energy, they can email their comments to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:NIETC@hq.doe.gov">NIETC@hq.doe.gov</a>

Legislation to protect property rights against proposed transmission line introduced by Rep. Mann, Sens. Moran, Marshall

The Geary County CVB is operating a booth at the State Fair this week.

The Convention is marketing Geary County to fair goers. The fair runs through Sunday.

CVB has a booth at the State Fair

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) has announced the two keynote speakers anchoring its Sunflower Fair —the heartland’s premier health and wellness event. The event happens from 8 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina.

Cost is $25 and that includes a sit-down banquet lunch.

The one-day event features expert speakers and 13 seminars on topics geared for older Kansans, people living with disabilities and caregivers, exhibits and live music.

To register in advance, call the NC-FH AAA at 800-432-2703 or go to the Agency's website www.ncfhaaa.com. Registrations may also be mailed to the Area Agency on Aging at 401 Houston St., Manhattan, KS 66502.

Two keynote speakers will highlight the event; Dr. Archelle Georgiou, MD and Kansas author Roxie Yonkey.&nbsp;

Dr. Archelle Georgiou, M.D will present “Building a Longevity Mindset” at the opening session of the event. Georgiou is a physician, medical journalist and researcher. She participated on National Geographic’s expedition team’s exploration of Ikaria, Greece, one of five “blue zone” locations in the world where people are known to live longer, healthier lives. Georgiou will share observations from her time in Greece and provide practical advice about how what she learned can be incorporated into Kansan’s lifestyles.

Roxie Yonkey, an author of “Secret Kansas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful” and Obscure and “100 Things to Do in Kansas Before You Die” will be the Sunflower Fair’s closing speaker. Yonkey, who is known as Chief Exploration Officer for her “Roxie on the Road” blog and website, has written about Kansas for more than three decades, and her many awards include the 2022 Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development’s Kansas Creative Arts Leader of the Year.

“The Sunflower Fair provides trustworthy information and a fun time for anyone who wants to celebrate many more birthdays,” Julie Govert Walter, NC-FH AAA’s Executive Director said. “There is no event like it,” she said.&nbsp;

Exhibitors will provide health screenings, COVID-19 and flu vaccines, hearing tests, blood pressure checks, Medicare information and important health checks.

“Bob and Friends,” a trio of musicians that includes 102-year-old guitarist Bob Delk of Marion County, that will provide toe-tapping music at the event.

The Agency is accepting sponsors for workshops, exhibitors and donations for door prizes and items for the Silent Auction. Those interested should call 800-432-2703 or go to www.ncfhaaa.com.

 ‘Longevity Mindset’ and ‘Secret Kansas’ speakers highlight Sunflower Fair

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer and Public Information Officer Lisa Mussman about the successful I-70 bridge demolition in Trego County.

🎤Forward Ever: KDOT I-70 bridge demolition

TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas man of assault with a deadly weapon following an incident on a United States Army installation, according to the United State's Attorney.

In November 2023, Jordan Thompson, 24, assaulted an adult male victim while at Fort Riley.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Thompson was involved in a domestic dispute with his estranged wife. He used a 9 mm caliber pistol to threaten the victim who was at the home of the child’s mother, and then left with the minor. The incident prompted officials to issue an Amber Alert.

Thompson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division, Fort Riley Department of the Army

Civilian Police, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway

Patrol, and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Jury: Man guilty in connection with Amber Alert incident at Fort Riley

(JUNCTION CITY, Kan.) Konza Prairie Community Health Center will celebrate a major remodel of their Junction City clinic – located at 361 Grant Ave – with a Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce “Business During Hours” networking event and ribbon cutting on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. Lunch will be catered by JC’s BBQ &amp; Grill.

Renovations started in January 2024 and include updates to the main entrance and pharmacy, additional treatment and office space, a modernized medical check-in desk, and updated flooring throughout the clinic.

“Local need for affordable community-based healthcare services continues to grow,” said Konza Chief Executive Officer Danielle Hallgren. “As we continue to see increases in the number of patients accessing care at our Junction City location, our commitment to quality remains a top priority. These updates will enable us to expand essential access to integrated health services in high-quality facilities.”

The largest aspect of the remodel created a new home for the Konza Closet and Konza Cupboard Food Pantry, programs created by the clinic where dedicated staff reach beyond healthcare to provide direct, on-site support that fills critical gaps for patients in immediate need of essentials.

“Konza provides more than great healthcare,” said Hallgren. “We have been fortunate to recruit and retain a team of mission-minded providers and staff who understand that healthcare is more than what happens in the exam room or operatory. Connecting patients with social determinants of health resources is an essential part of our role as a community health center. From fresh fruits and vegetables to hygiene products, clothing, and medical supplies, the new space gives us dedicated room to just take care of people, none of which would be possible without the generosity of patients and community members and the dedication of staff.”&nbsp;

Construction for the renovation was made possible through a grant from American Rescue Plan Capital funding, supporting improvements to expand health care infrastructure at HRSA-funded health centers. Supplies for the Konza Closet and Konza Cupboard Food Pantry are supported through donations to Konza Cares: Gifts of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items are always accepted during clinic business hours and monetary gifts made on October 15 during Geary Community Match Day will be eligible for a 50% match.

Established in 1995, Konza Prairie Community Health Center is a locally owned not-for-profit clinic which provides affordable, quality, comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare for all. Geary County is identified as a Medically Underserved Area for Primary Care according to US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data. The HRSA GeoCare Navigator identifies there are more than 76,489 low-income residents in Konza’s Service Area, including Geary and Riley Counties; nearly 12,000 are uninsured and not currently served by a health center.

 Konza Prairie Community Health Celebrates Clinic Remodel   

The Geary County Sheriff's Department said this week that they're working hand in hand with Geary USD 475 and the Junction City Police Department, and maintaining students' safety is a top priority.  Please do not hesitate to report any concerns you may have about potential violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

They posted a message from USD 475 to families.

"USD 475 is aware of a current social media trend that lists potential district schools being targeted for a school shooting along with several other schools from across the nation. Note that both Junction City Middle School and Fort Riley Middle School have investigated the threats and have found NO credible concern. USD&nbsp; 475 has been in communication with both Fort Riley and the Junction City Police Department.

Regardless of the nature of these threats, the Junction City Police Department, Geary County Sheriff's Office and USD 475 are fully committed to the safety and well being of all students within our community. As a precautionary measure, there will be an increased officer presence at our district's schools over the coming days.

Safety is our top priority in Geary USD 475 and we are committed to maintaining a safe school environment for all students and staff."

Authorities make student safety a top priority

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired and the Kansas City Chiefs, kept alive by a pass interference call on Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony on fourth down in the final minute, rallied to beat Cincinnati 26-25 on Sunday.

Patrick Mahomes threw for 151 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, but it was his incomplete pass to Rashee Rice on fourth-and-16 from the Kansas City 35 that turned out to be decisive. Anthony arrived a split-second early and hit Rice from behind with his body, and flags flew with 38 seconds remaining as the crowd in Arrowhead Stadium erupted.

The penalty came just after the Chiefs had a long gain on fourth down wiped out by a penalty of their own.

The pass interference call moved the Chiefs to the Cincinnati 36, and the Chiefs ran a couple of plays to bleed the clock for the big-legged Butker, who turned around and started walking off the field even before his kick went through the uprights.

Joe Burrow threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns, both to Andrei Iosivas, as the Bengals (0-2) came up empty against one of their biggest nemeses for the third straight time. That includes a loss to Kansas City in the AFC championship game.

Chamarri Conner returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown for the Chiefs, and big offensive tackle Wanya Morris — who had the penalty that nearly cost them in the final minute — had a touchdown reception on a day full of bizarre plays.

It was the second win for Kansas City decided on the final play after its 27-20 victory over Baltimore on opening night.

The Chiefs struggled in their first game with Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, who had nine catches for 111 yards and a score. And with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins absent with an ailing hamstring, Burrow leaned heavily on his own tight ends — Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki and rookie Erick All Jr. — to move an offense that never got going last weekend against New England.

Sample and Gesicki accounted for most of the yardage on an opening drive that produced a field goal. A few minutes later, after Mahomes was picked by Akeem Davis-Gaither, All's catch helped set up Iosivas' touchdown reception.

Mahomes eventually atoned for the interception when he found Rice over the outstretched fingers of Cam Taylor-Britt for a tying 44-yard touchdown pass. But otherwise, Andy Reid's potent offense was stuck in neutral and trailed 16-10 at the half.

All that and the hijinks were just beginning.

The Chiefs pulled ahead early in the second half, when Mahomes popped a pass to his 310-pound tackle-eligible Morris for a touchdown. The Bengals answered on fourth-and-goal when Burrow connected with Iosivas for a second time, only to see Burrow get stripped a few minutes later and Conner return the fumble 37 yards for another touchdown.

Evan McPherson's fourth field goal gave the Bengals a 25-23 lead with 5:12 to go, and their defense gave them the ball back. But the Chiefs forced a punt with 2:59 remaining, giving Mahomes and Co. the opportunity to decide the game.

Bengals: DT B.J. Hill (hamstring) left in the second quarter. DT Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) left in the fourth.

Cincinnati returns home to play Washington on Sept. 23.

Kansas City heads to Atlanta on Sunday night.

🏈Butker hits 51-yard winner after penalty on Bengals safety keeps Chiefs alive

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Isiah Kiner-Falefa had three hits, including a go-ahead single in the fifth inning, as the Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a three-game sweep with a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Billy Cook lined a single to left to start the fifth and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AlexJStumpf/status/1835395599278948756">scored from first on a hit and run</a>&nbsp;when Kiner-Falefa shot one to center past a diving Bobby Witt Jr. at short to put the Pirates ahead 3-2. Kiner-Falefa also singled in the first and sixth innings.

“Billy never hesitates. He never breaks stride,” Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said. “We get a run on a groundball to center field just because of the fact of his awareness. Outstanding.”

Kansas City's Brady Singer (9-11), who gave up four runs on six hits and four walks with six strikeouts in five innings, later walked Rowdy Tellez with the bases loaded to bring the Pittsburgh lead to 4-2.

“In the fifth, (Singer) just kind of lost command a little bit there,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Unlike him. But overall, I thought his stuff was fine, just his command was a little bit off.”

Carmen Mlodzinski (3-5) pitched a perfect fifth inning in relief of Pirates starter Jared Jones, who allowed two runs and six hits in the first four. Aroldis Chapman struck out one in a perfect ninth for his ninth save.

The Royals, four games back of first-place Cleveland in the AL Central, had the bases loaded with two outs in the sixth. Colin Holderman walked Witt Jr. to bring in a run but Dennis Santana entered to get Salvador Perez to fly out and limit the damage.

“We needed to capitalize more,” Quatraro said. “We put a lot of pressure on them. We drove up the pitch count early. We had baserunners in several innings and just couldn't come up with the big hit to really take the lead or break it open.”

Bryan Reynolds gave the Pirates an initial lead on a double into the left-field corner after Kiner-Falefa led off the first with a base hit.

Yuli Gurriel tied it 1-1 on a sacrifice fly in the second after Kansas City started the inning with a Paul DeJong single between two walks.

Tommy Pham opened the third with a triple off the top of the Clemente Wall in right.

Witt Jr. then flew out to Cook,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Pirates/status/1835384264319275295">whose throw home from right field beat Pham to preserve the tie</a>. It came from near the line to the right of a No. 21 etched into the outfield grass on Roberto Clemente Day, observed across the majors.

“It was great seeing the 21 and, I think, even more special because it was just out in right field,” said Cook, who wore Clemente's No. 21 along with his Pirates teammates. “He played an amazing right field. To just be able to play the game the right way out there as a tribute to him while wearing the number, really special.”

Gurriel and Maikel Garcia hit consecutive one-out doubles to put the Royals ahead 2-1 the next inning.

Oneil Cruz led off the Pirates’ half of the fourth with a single and scored the tying run when Nick Gonzales grounded to third with the bases loaded.

Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (16-8, 2.94 ERA) will start Monday to open a three-game home series against the Tigers. Detroit has not announced a starter.

Pirates: Rookie RHP Paul Skenes (10-2, 2.10) will take the mound Monday to start a four-game series in St. Louis, opposite Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (6-8, 4.13).

⚾ Kiner-Falefa has 3 hits to lead Pirates past Royals, avoid series sweep

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 100th run of the season with a solo homer in the first inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1 on Saturday.

Witt also hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth and a run-scoring double in the sixth. He went 2 for 3 to raise his MLB-leading batting average to .333. He also has 31 homers and 102 RBIs.

“It’s hard to set personal goals because you never know what might happen during the season,” Witt said. “So, I just take it day by day, play the game and let things happen on their own. But 100 RBIs does mean a lot. I’m happy to be able to do that.”

Michael Wacha (13-7) gave up one run in five innings to improve to 9-1 with a 2.68 ERA in 13 starts since the beginning of July. He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out eight.

“The first two innings were really efficient then in the third inning they started working some walks and long counts, working some good ABs and really made me work,” Wacha said. “I wish I could have gone a little deeper, but the bullpen came in and did a great job.”

John Schreiber, Sam Long, James McArthur, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg combined for four innings of five-hit ball for Kansas City.

The Royals won for the seventh time in nine games since a seven-game losing streak as they try to reach the postseason for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015. The Royals also assured themselves of their first winning season since 2015 by raising their record to 82-67.

“It really doesn’t mean that much to me,” manager Matt Quatraro said of having a winning record after going 56-106 last season. “Our guys have set the bar much higher than that. They’ve wanted to win the division since the first day of spring training and we might need 90-some wins to do that.”

Kansas City began the day with a 2½-game lead over Minnesota for the second AL wild card. The Royals trailed first-place Cleveland by three games in the AL Central.

The Royals had five stolen bases, three by Maikol Garcia and two by Kyle Isbel.

Mitch Keller (11-10) lost for the fifth time in his last six decisions, allowing four runs — three earned — and four hits with six strikeouts and one walk. The Pirates made three errors behind Keller.

“We gave up a couple runs that were situations he couldn’t control,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “I didn’t think he had his best stuff, but I thought he was able to grind through it and continue to get outs.”

After Witt staked the Royals to the early 1-0 lead, the Royals scored twice in the fifth. Adam Frazier tripled past diving center field Oneil Cruz and scored on Garcia’s double before Witt hit a sacrifice fly.

The Pirates scored their lone run in the fifth on an RBI single by Cruz. They are 14-24 since Aug. 4.

Kansas City’s Michael Massey doubled and scored on third baseman Jared Triolo’s error in the fifth. Witt’s RBI double in the sixth that was misplayed by Cruz made it 5-1.

Bryan Reynolds and Triolo each had two hits for the Pirates.

Royals: RHP Chris Stratton (right forearm flexor strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list and LHP Angel Zerpa was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. Stratton will undergo imaging Monday when the Royals return home from their road trip.

The series concludes Sunday with Royals RHP Brady Singer (9-10, 3.42 ERA) facing rookie RHP Jared Jones (6-7, 3.82 ERA). Singer is 1-4 with a 5.17 ERA in his last seven starts.

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. passes 100 RBIs for the season; Royals beat the Pirates

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State delivered Arizona a rude welcome to the Big 12 on Friday night.

Even if it won't count in the conference standings.

Avery Johnson threw two touchdown passes, Dylan Edwards returned a punt 71 yards for a score, and No. 14 Kansas State shut out No. 20 Arizona in the second half of a 31-7 victory in a rare nonconference matchup of new Big 12 rivals rivals.

The loss ended Arizona’s nine-game winning streak, the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

“I don't know what we're trying to prove to everyone else. We're trying to prove to ourselves that we can sustain this and play at a high level,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That was a great week of preparation. Now we have to do it again.”

The schools had agreed to the matchup before Arizona left the Pac-12 for the Big 12. With neither able to secure a replacement opponent, Kansas State and Arizona kept the game but without it counting in the race for the league title game.

Johnson finished with 156 yards passing and 110 yards rushing, and D.J. Giddens added 86 yards rushing and a score, as Kansas State (3-0) rebounded from a lackluster road with over Tulane with an emphatic victory over the desert Wildcats.

“Everybody wanted to get back on the field,” said Jayce Brown, who had three catches for 60 yards. “We wanted to show everybody what we could do.”

Noah Fifita had 268 yards passing for Arizona (2-1) with an interception. Tetairoa McMillan had 11 catches for 138 yards, but the potential first-round NFL draft pick was unable to turn any of those grabs into a big play or touchdown.

“Those guys just play good football,” Arizona coach Brent Brennan said. “They tackle well. They're in coverage, they do a good job. I give that staff a lot of credit. They have a well-coached football team, their kids play really hard. They're impressive.”

The teams traded grinding, time-consuming touchdown drives to start the game, but otherwise the first 30 minutes was plagued by penalties, mental mistakes and dumbfounding miscues from two teams trying to make a statement.

Arizona failed to cover a poor punt that Edwards returned untouched for a touchdown. On the next drive, Fifita lazily threw over the middle into double coverage and was picked off by Kansas State's Keenan Garber in the end zone.

Johnson made perhaps the most embarrassing gaffe. He was sacked at the Arizona 19 with 24 seconds left in the first half. On the next play, the freshman needed only to step out of bounds to stop the clock and bring on the field-goal team, but he instead reversed field and ran the other way, allowing the clock to expire without the chance for an attempt.

“It is all on me at the end of the first half,” Klieman said. “I should have called timeout. That isn't on the kid."

Kansas State still led 14-7 at the break, and the mistake didn't matter in the end.

The fleet-footed Johnson began to sling it in the second half, leading his team on back-to-back TD drives. The first featured a 48-yard pass to Jayce Brown on third-and-12, setting up Johnson's scoring toss to Brayden Loftin. The next included a 21-yard throw to Loftin before Giddens plowed into the end zone to give Kansas State a 28-7 lead.

Kansas State stuffed Arizona on fourth down a few minutes later, and merely had to run out the fourth quarter.

“(Johnson) is a pretty good player, and he rose up tonight when we needed him,” Klieman said. “He played really good football and was really calm, and made some plays with his feet. Made some plays with his legs. That was a fun performance to watch.”

Arizona might have fared better had it not repeatedly hurt itself with flags. It committed 30 yards worth of penalties on a single drive in the first half, and finished with nine penalties for 74 yards in the game.

Kansas State had something to prove after allowing Tulane to throw for 342 yards and pile up 491 total in last week's 34-27 comeback win. The Wildcats held Arizona to 324 yards of total offense Friday night.

Arizona: At No. 12 Utah on Sept. 28 in the Wildcats' first true Big 12 game.

Kansas State: At BYU next Saturday night.

🏈 Avery Johnson helps No. 14 K-State dump Arizona

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Salvador Perez and Kyle Isbel hit home runs and drove in two runs each, Alec Marsh struck out 11 in 5 1/3 innings, and the Kansas City Royals snapped Pittsburgh's four-game winning streak with an 8-3 victory over the Pirates on Friday night.

Perez’s two-run shot to the bullpens in left-center capped a six-run second inning when the Royals broke a scoreless tie. Isbel’s solo homer in the fourth pushed the lead to 7-0. Adam Frazier added a solo home run in the eighth.

Marsh (8-8) allowed only one run and the 11 strikeouts matched a career high. It was the second-year right-hander's first win since July 10.

The Royals had lost two of three games to the Yankees earlier in the week in New York but had a 1 1/2-game lead over Minnesota for the second American League wild card entering the game. With Cleveland's loss on Friday, the second-place Royals pulled within three games of the Guardians on the AL Central.

The Pirates fell to 14-23 since Aug. 4, when their record was 56-54 and they were 2 1/2 games out of the National League’s third wild card.

Luis Ortiz (6-6) was tagged for seven runs – four earned – on five hits in four innings. His throwing error on Frazier’s chopper helped set up the Royals’ big second-inning.

Yuli Gurriel hit an RBI single, and Isbel drove in a run with a double before Tommy Pham’s two-run single made it 4-0. After Bobby Witt Jr. struck out, Perez hit his 27th home run of the season while raising his RBI total to 103.

Witt went 1 for 5, dropping his major league leading batting average one point to .332.

The Pirates scored in the sixth when Oneil Cruz doubled and scored on Joey Bart’s single. Bryan Reynolds hit a sacrifice fly and Cruz added an RBI single in the ninth.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (strained left hamstring) allowed one run in 3 1/3 innings on Friday for Triple-A Omaha in his second minor-league outing since going on the injured list on Aug. 28. Lorenzen will likely be activated next week. … RHP Hunter Harvey (tightness in mid-back) has resumed throwing but there is no timetable for his return.

Pirates: LHP Marco Gonzales (strained left forearm) had left flexor tendon repair surgery, and an internal brace placed in his left ulnar collateral ligament. Eligible for free agency after the World Series, Gonzales is expected to miss most of next season. … 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (lower back inflammation) could begin playing catch next week but the Pirates are unsure if he will return this season.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (12-7, 3.34 ERA) faces RHP Mitch Keller (11-9, 3.85) on Saturday. Wacha is 11-3 with a 2.62 ERA in his last 19 starts since May 9. Keller has lost four of his last five decisions.

⚾Perez homers, Marsh strikes out 11 as Royals beat the Pirates 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kylin James scored on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 1:51 left to lift UNLV past Kansas 23-20 Friday night at Children's Mercy Park.

The Jayhawks are playing all their games away from Lawrence, Kan., this season because of construction on their stadium.

UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka was just 7-for-18 passing for 86 yards, but he rushed for 113 yards.

Jalon Daniels was 12-for-23 passing for 153 yards, with two interceptions for Kansas (1-2). He had two rushing touchdowns.

Daniels' second interception of the game gave UNLV the ball at the KU 4-yard line, but the Rebels only got a 23-yard field goal from Caden Chittenden.

Kansas answered with a 41-yard field goal by Tabor Allen to stretch the lead to 20-16 in the fourth quarter.

But UNLV (3-0) used a 14-play, 75-yard drive that took 9:31 off the clock to take the late lead.

After forcing an opening three-and-out, Kansas responded with a 12-play, 81-yard touchdown drive, capped by Daniels' 11-yard run. The Rebels responded with an 11-play drive but had to settle for a Chittenden 38-yard field goal.

Daniels then scampered 33 yards, untouched off the right tackle, to cap a 94-yard drive to give Kansas a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter.

Kansas' defense stiffened again, stopping UNLV on third-and-7, forcing a 27-yard field goal by Chittenden. Allen then extended the lead to 17-6 with a 35-yard field goal with 3:17 left in the first half.

Kansas was driving for another score when Daniels threw his fifth interception of the season. It was returned 46 yards to the Kansas 33. With the first-half clock running down, Sluka found Jai'Den Thomas in the flat and Thomas turned it into a 27-yard touchdown with no time left on the clock to pull within 17-13 at halftime.

UNLV: The Rebels need to work on the long passing game. Sluka attempted seven passes of at least 20 yards — several significantly longer — and missed on all seven.

Kansas: Daniels has the talent to be a star, but he has to cut down on the turnovers. He threw one interception in the season opener and had three picks in the loss at Illinois. His first-half pick Friday kept UNLV in the game and his second-half interception set up the Rebels for a chip-shot field goal.

UNLV: The Rebels will open the Mountain West Conference season with a home contest against Fresno State on Sept. 21.

Kansas: The Jayhawks will open Big 12 Conference play with a road contest at West Virginia on Sept. 21.

🏈  Kylin James' late touchdown run lifts UNLV over Kansas 

It was a battle on Thursday night at Blue Jay Stadium, as Lawrence defeated Junction City 69-56.  The high-scoring game featured a back-and-forth first half that was tied 28-28 at halftime. 

The Blue Jays took an early 35-28 lead in the second half on a scoop-and-score touchdown by junior Lovell Autry, his second defensive score of the game. 

Following the scoop-and-score, Lawrence found a spark on offense and also returned an interception for a touchdown. The Lions held a 63-35 lead in the fourth quarter, where the Blue Jays then stormed back to make it 63-56. The final play of the game saw Lawrence quarterback Banks Bowen escape down the sideline and score a touchdown to make the final score 69-56. 

Some key plays on the night for Junction City included a pick-six by Lovell Autry, the scoop and score also by Autry, along with a 66-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Conrad Gomez and wide receiver Jamarcus Vornes. Gomez also connected with senior wide receiver Xander Caldwell for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

With the loss, Junction City falls to 1-1 on the season. Next up for the Blue Jays is Wichita Northwest High School next Friday night, in Wichita.

Lawrence holds off Junction City in Blue Jays home opener

NEW YORK (AP) — Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a game-ending infield single with one out in the 11th inning and the New York Yankees outlasted the Kansas City Royals for a 4-3 victory Wednesday night.

Juan Soto launched a go-ahead homer in the sixth for the Yankees, who increased their advantage in the AL East to 1 1/2 games over Baltimore. New York has held the lead since Aug. 21 but hasn't led by more than two games during that stretch.

Shortly before Chisholm came through, the Orioles lost 5-3 in 10 innings at Fenway Park when Tyler O’Neill hit a walk-off homer for Boston.

Chisholm came up with runners on first and third after Kris Bubic (0-1) intentionally walked Aaron Judge following a groundout by Soto that sent automatic runner Jon Berti from second base to third.

With the infield playing in, Judge advanced to second on defensive indifference and Chisolm slapped a 2-1 slider toward shortstop. Bobby Witt Jr. made a diving stop on his backhand, but an off-balance throw from his knees was wide of the plate. Berti, who was pinch running, scored easily with a headfirst slide.

“Honestly, I was looking for a pitch that I could get through a hole or get to the outfield to score anybody on third base,” Chisholm said. “I was willing to pass the baton if I didn’t get a pitch to hit.”

Chisholm batted cleanup for the second time since being acquired from the Miami Marlins on July 27. It was his first career walk-off hit and he was doused in water during the celebration while getting mobbed by teammates near second base.

Luke Weaver (5-3) struck out three in 1 2/3 hitless innings for the win.

New York took two of three in a series between playoff contenders. Kansas City fell 4 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland in the AL Central but holds the league’s second wild card by 1 1/2 games over Minnesota.

“This is a big series win for us against a really good club over there that threw a lot of good pitching at us,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

The teams traded runs in the 10th. Royals pinch-runner Darion Blanco stole third base and scored on Jake Cousins’ wild pitch. In the bottom half, pinch-hitter Austin Wells tied it with a sacrifice fly.

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