The American Red Cross has issued a severe blood shortage warning after the national blood supply dropped by approximately 35% over the past month, raising concerns for hospitals and patients nationwide.

The decline comes as flu activity surges across nearly every state, sidelining many potential donors and placing additional strain on already overburdened hospitals. As inventories continue to fall, some hospitals are being forced to triage critical blood products, prioritizing limited supplies for the most urgent cases.

The shortage is particularly acute for blood types O, A negative, and B negative. Patients who depend on regular transfusions—including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, and individuals undergoing cancer treatment or living with sickle cell disease—could face serious risks if supplies are not replenished quickly.

Winter weather has further complicated collection efforts. According to the Red Cross, approximately 400 blood drives were disrupted by severe winter conditions last month alone—more than three times the number affected during the same period last year. Those cancellations resulted in thousands of donations going uncollected, deepening the shortage.

“This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the Red Cross. “Every person’s blood donation can help save lives — plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients.”

With additional winter storms forecast in the coming weeks, the Red Cross warns the situation could worsen without immediate donor action. Eligible donors are urged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible by using the Blood Donor App, visiting <a href="http://RedCrossBlood.org">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769011658428.jpeg" alt="Blood Cross National Blood Shortage" />
 <figcaption>Blood Cross National Blood Shortage</figcaption>
 </figure>The American Red Cross has issued a severe blood shortage warning after the national blood supply dropped by approximately 35% over the past month, raising concerns for hospitals and patients nationwide.The decline comes as flu activity surges across nearly every state, sidelining many potential donors and placing additional strain on already overburdened hospitals. As inventories continue to fall, some hospitals are being forced to triage critical blood products, prioritizing limited supplies for the most urgent cases.The shortage is particularly acute for blood types O, A negative, and B negative. Patients who depend on regular transfusions—including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, and individuals undergoing cancer treatment or living with sickle cell disease—could face serious risks if supplies are not replenished quickly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769004280498.png" alt="<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b1bdf795-f32f-4559-ab8a-c8f3af3afd47">Battle of the Badges blood drive is being held in Hutchinson on Jan. 24, 26-28 2026.&nbsp;</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b1bdf795-f32f-4559-ab8a-c8f3af3afd47">Battle of the Badges blood drive is being held in Hutchinson on Jan. 24, 26-28 2026.&nbsp;</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Winter weather has further complicated collection efforts. According to the Red Cross, approximately 400 blood drives were disrupted by severe winter conditions last month alone—more than three times the number affected during the same period last year. Those cancellations resulted in thousands of donations going uncollected, deepening the shortage.“This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the Red Cross. “Every person’s blood donation can help save lives — plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients.”With additional winter storms forecast in the coming weeks, the Red Cross warns the situation could worsen without immediate donor action. Eligible donors are urged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible by using the Blood Donor App, visiting <a href="http://RedCrossBlood.org">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Red Cross issues blood shortage warning

A Geary County employee task force recommendation for a Sweats for Sweats effort will be addressed at a county staff meeting next week. It would allow for a $5 cost employees could wear work appropriate jogging attire on Fridays. The goal would be to use the funds to purchase socks and sweaters for people in need. Department head approval would be needed.

The idea did not get an endorsement from the governing body but it will receive dicussion at the staff meeting.

There are plans for a spirit week Feb. 2 - 6 with a food day on Feb. 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731514695506.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>A Geary County employee task force recommendation for a Sweats for Sweats effort will be addressed at a county staff meeting next week. It would allow for a $5 cost employees could wear work appropriate jogging attire on Fridays. The goal would be to use the funds to purchase socks and sweaters for people in need. Department head approval would be needed.The idea did not get an endorsement from the governing body but it will receive dicussion at the staff meeting.--There are plans for a spirit week Feb. 2 - 6 with a food day on Feb. 6.

Sweats for Sweats idea receives discussion

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two Fort Riley men for alleged barcode swapping at a store in Salina.

On Monday, security from Target on South 9th Street in Salina took two male suspects into custody for allegedly barcode swapping on trading cards.

Salina Police Department were dispatched to the store and arrested 23, year-old&nbsp;Austin Martin and 24-year-old Colby Flowers, both from Fort Riley, according to a statement from Salina Police.

Martin and Flowers allegedly stole two boxes of sports cards, valued at $100 and two packs of pokemon cards, valued $10. The suspects committed the thefts on January 11 and the 17.

Martin and Flowers were booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charge of Felony Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768920785988.jpeg" alt="Flowers photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Flowers photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two Fort Riley men for alleged barcode swapping at a store in Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769015181676.png" alt="Martin-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Martin-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, security from Target on South 9th Street in Salina took two male suspects into custody for allegedly barcode swapping on trading cards.Salina Police Department were dispatched to the store and arrested 23, year-old&nbsp;Austin Martin and 24-year-old Colby Flowers, both from Fort Riley, according to a statement from Salina Police.Martin and Flowers allegedly stole two boxes of sports cards, valued at $100 and two packs of pokemon cards, valued $10. The suspects committed the thefts on January 11 and the 17.Martin and Flowers were booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charge of Felony Theft.

Police: Two Fort Riley men accused of barcode swapping 

Michelle Sink, Area Director, and Melissa Soldan, Development Assistant, with Big Brothers/Big Sisters were the guest speakers at the January 21 meeting of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club in the Hampton Inn Meeting Room. A $200.00 donation was made to their organization for work with youth.

Michelle explained that Big Brothers/Big Sisters is an “evidence-based one-to-one mentoring program to create and support relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The vision of the organization is that all youth earn a living wage by age 25. Of the youth being served 50% have a household income of less than $35,000 per year; 48% have family who’s had contact with law enforcement; 41% have experienced some type of abuse at home; 59% have issues at school and 49% are isolated, have few or no friends or are bullied.”

Melissa and Michelle are both Big Sisters. Melissa shared that it is about the relationships developed with the “little”. She told a story about her own “little” who told Melissa, she was the “little’s” best friend. “That is so heartwarming” to know the impact being made on a young person. I feel like I get back so much from working with my “little”.

Mentor’s or “Bigs” must be 18 years or older and “Littles” range from 5-13 years old. For more information, please contact Michelle Sink at 785.422.9530 or email at msink@kansasbigs.org.

Pictured left to right: Ron Johnson, JC Breakfast Optimist Club Vice President; Melissa Soldan, Development Assistant and Michelle Sink, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Area Director.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769014136216.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right: Ron Johnson, JC Breakfast Optimist Club Vice President; Melissa Soldan, Development Assistant and Michelle Sink, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Area Director." />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right: Ron Johnson, JC Breakfast Optimist Club Vice President; Melissa Soldan, Development Assistant and Michelle Sink, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Area Director.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Ferrell MillerJC Breakfast Optimist ClubMichelle Sink, Area Director, and Melissa Soldan, Development Assistant, with Big Brothers/Big Sisters were the guest speakers at the January 21 meeting of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club in the Hampton Inn Meeting Room. A $200.00 donation was made to their organization for work with youth.Michelle explained that Big Brothers/Big Sisters is an “evidence-based one-to-one mentoring program to create and support relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The vision of the organization is that all youth earn a living wage by age 25. Of the youth being served 50% have a household income of less than $35,000 per year; 48% have family who’s had contact with law enforcement; 41% have experienced some type of abuse at home; 59% have issues at school and 49% are isolated, have few or no friends or are bullied.”Melissa and Michelle are both Big Sisters. Melissa shared that it is about the relationships developed with the “little”. She told a story about her own “little” who told Melissa, she was the “little’s” best friend. “That is so heartwarming” to know the impact being made on a young person. I feel like I get back so much from working with my “little”.Mentor’s or “Bigs” must be 18 years or older and “Littles” range from 5-13 years old. For more information, please contact Michelle Sink at 785.422.9530 or email at msink@kansasbigs.org.Pictured left to right: Ron Johnson, JC Breakfast Optimist Club Vice President; Melissa Soldan, Development Assistant and Michelle Sink, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Area Director.

Optimists Donate To Big Brothers/Big Sisters

The Geary County Historical Society is inviting the public to A History Experience: An American Birthday on January 31st from 1:00-3:30pm! Celebrate Kansas’s 165th Birthday by exploring birthday party celebrations from the past - with birthday cakes, activities, and some special surprises.

There will be historic birthday cakes to try, activities to do, and living historians to learn from, as well as announcements and information about upcoming programs and exhibits at the museum. This is a family friendly, come-and-go, free event. No RSVP is needed. 

This program is sponsored by United Way of Geary County-Junction City. It kickstarts the museum's America250 programming. Questions about the event can be directed to Kim at gearyhistoryprograms@gmail.com.

The Geary County Historical Society is inviting the public to A History Experience: An American Birthday on January 31st from 1:00-3:30pm! Celebrate Kansas’s 165th Birthday by exploring birthday party celebrations from the past - with birthday cakes, activities, and some special surprises.There will be historic birthday cakes to try, activities to do, and living historians to learn from, as well as announcements and information about upcoming programs and exhibits at the museum. This is a family friendly, come-and-go, free event. No RSVP is needed. This program is sponsored by United Way of Geary County-Junction City. It kickstarts the museum's America250 programming. Questions about the event can be directed to Kim at gearyhistoryprograms@gmail.com.

Celebrate history!

Snow is looking more likely to impact northeast Kansas Friday afternoon through early Sunday, although exact amounts remain uncertain. The National Weather Service said most locations will see at least some light snow accumulations and the potential for hazardous travel from falling and accumulating snow. Very cold air also builds in behind the system with wind chill values as low as -20 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.

Snow is looking more likely to impact northeast Kansas Friday afternoon through early Sunday, although exact amounts remain uncertain. The National Weather Service said most locations will see at least some light snow accumulations and the potential for hazardous travel from falling and accumulating snow. Very cold air also builds in behind the system with wind chill values as low as -20 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.

Cold and snow are likely

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Manhattan.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a&nbsp;2017 Kia Niro driven by Anthony Corral, 24, of Manhattan, and&nbsp; a 2014 Buick Encore driven by Adam Hopper, 22, of Manhattan, collided at the intersection of Tuttle Creek Boulevard and Bluemont Avenue.

Corral was transported to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Manhattan.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a&nbsp;2017 Kia Niro driven by Anthony Corral, 24, of Manhattan, and&nbsp; a 2014 Buick Encore driven by Adam Hopper, 22, of Manhattan, collided at the intersection of Tuttle Creek Boulevard and Bluemont Avenue.Corral was transported to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

Manhattan man injured after 2-vehicle crash

Policies aim to get ahead of Legislature’s debate about weakening tenure rights

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents ordered state public universities to implement faculty workload and tenure review policies that will bring underperforming professors to remediation, with termination a potential consequence for failure to address deficiencies.

The mandate applied to thousands of faculty employed at Kansas State University, the University of Kansas, Pittsburg State University, Fort Hays State University, Emporia State University and Wichita State University. Expectations for nontenure, tenure-track and tenured faculty wouldn’t be identical from university to university, but all would be assigned annual course instructional loads and undergo yearly reviews in terms of teaching, research and public service.

Faculty at the state’s three research-oriented universities — KU, K-State and WSU — would be expected to teach six to nine credit hours per semester. Annual reviews of these faculty would be based on teaching at 40% to 55% of the workload. Research obligations would range from 35% to 45% of the total. Public service would be 5% to 20% of the job.

Faculty at the three regional universities — PSU, ESU and FHSU — would be assigned 12 credit hours of instructional course work each semester. The faculty evaluation breakdown: teaching, 60% to 75%; research, 15% to 30%; and public service, 5% to 20%.

Tenured university faculty in the Board of Regents system would undergo performance assessments by a campus committee every five years. Those determined to be less than satisfactory would be placed on self-improvement plans. If a faculty member earned a second unsatisfactory annual review, the policy said, the individual would be subject to dismissal, reassignment or other personnel action.

Rusty Monhollon, vice president of academic affairs for the Board of Regents, said the post-tenure and workload policies would help administrators identify faculty falling short of standards and those exceeding those metrics. The goal was to make evaluation of faculty less subjective and to address consternation about the rigor of decisions about faculty appointments, he said.

He expected few university faculty to fail to abide by new productivity standards because the “work they do is good.”

“These are very important policies that are impactful. We want to make sure we get it right,” said Alysia Johnston, a member of the Board of Regents.

Johnston, a former president of Fort Scott Community College, said the final version of policies approved by the Board of Regents left the analysis of tenure review cases to university administrators because the state board didn’t have the expertise to make scholarly judgments. She said the Board of Regents would consider tenure appeals based on claims that due process rights were violated by university administrators.

The Board of Regents voted unanimously at its January meeting to require the six universities to begin documenting and reporting faculty performance data that would be shared with legislators and others to enhance transparency and accountability in higher education.

University reporting would include statistics on student credit hours produced, percentage of credit hours by full-time faculty, bachelor’s degrees awarded, student retention, faculty scholarship and faculty research funding. Information about the number of people granted and denied tenure and the number of faculty who left each university must be documented.

Board of Regents member Matt Crocker, a Manhattan businessman, said he appreciated that the development of a systemwide faculty review policy involved considerable effort by the Board of Regents. He said there was an expectation among members of the Kansas Legislature that faculty workload policies would be rigorous. In the past two years, members of the Legislature raised the possibility of modifying tenure at the state universities.

“The question I seem to get all the time, especially here in Topeka, is making sure I’m a good steward for the state’s funding for higher education,” he said.

Under the Board of Regents policy, each university would craft faculty workload expectations that were “equitable, fair and balanced, and aligned with the unique needs of each department and the whole institution.” While all faculty would be assigned teaching loads, the policy said, exceptions would be permitted for clinical or research faculty, librarians and other personnel in noninstructional roles.

The new systemwide policy was developed by Board of Regents’ staff, university administrators and faculty as well as state politicians. At least four drafts were circulated for review and comment during the past seven months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768943639729.png" alt=" Kansas Board of Regents member Alysia Johnston, who leads the board’s academic affairs committee, endorses faculty workload and post-tenure review policies applicable at the six public universities in the state system. This image of Johnston is of her at a Board of Regents meeting in 2024 in Manhattan. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Board of Regents member Alysia Johnston, who leads the board’s academic affairs committee, endorses faculty workload and post-tenure review policies applicable at the six public universities in the state system. This image of Johnston is of her at a Board of Regents meeting in 2024 in Manhattan. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Policies aim to get ahead of Legislature’s debate about weakening tenure rights</h2>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents ordered state public universities to implement faculty workload and tenure review policies that will bring underperforming professors to remediation, with termination a potential consequence for failure to address deficiencies.The mandate applied to thousands of faculty employed at Kansas State University, the University of Kansas, Pittsburg State University, Fort Hays State University, Emporia State University and Wichita State University. Expectations for nontenure, tenure-track and tenured faculty wouldn’t be identical from university to university, but all would be assigned annual course instructional loads and undergo yearly reviews in terms of teaching, research and public service.Faculty at the state’s three research-oriented universities — KU, K-State and WSU — would be expected to teach six to nine credit hours per semester. Annual reviews of these faculty would be based on teaching at 40% to 55% of the workload. Research obligations would range from 35% to 45% of the total. Public service would be 5% to 20% of the job.Faculty at the three regional universities — PSU, ESU and FHSU — would be assigned 12 credit hours of instructional course work each semester. The faculty evaluation breakdown: teaching, 60% to 75%; research, 15% to 30%; and public service, 5% to 20%.Tenured university faculty in the Board of Regents system would undergo performance assessments by a campus committee every five years. Those determined to be less than satisfactory would be placed on self-improvement plans. If a faculty member earned a second unsatisfactory annual review, the policy said, the individual would be subject to dismissal, reassignment or other personnel action.Rusty Monhollon, vice president of academic affairs for the Board of Regents, said the post-tenure and workload policies would help administrators identify faculty falling short of standards and those exceeding those metrics. The goal was to make evaluation of faculty less subjective and to address consternation about the rigor of decisions about faculty appointments, he said.He expected few university faculty to fail to abide by new productivity standards because the “work they do is good.”“These are very important policies that are impactful. We want to make sure we get it right,” said Alysia Johnston, a member of the Board of Regents.Johnston, a former president of Fort Scott Community College, said the final version of policies approved by the Board of Regents left the analysis of tenure review cases to university administrators because the state board didn’t have the expertise to make scholarly judgments. She said the Board of Regents would consider tenure appeals based on claims that due process rights were violated by university administrators.The Board of Regents voted unanimously at its January meeting to require the six universities to begin documenting and reporting faculty performance data that would be shared with legislators and others to enhance transparency and accountability in higher education.University reporting would include statistics on student credit hours produced, percentage of credit hours by full-time faculty, bachelor’s degrees awarded, student retention, faculty scholarship and faculty research funding. Information about the number of people granted and denied tenure and the number of faculty who left each university must be documented.Board of Regents member Matt Crocker, a Manhattan businessman, said he appreciated that the development of a systemwide faculty review policy involved considerable effort by the Board of Regents. He said there was an expectation among members of the Kansas Legislature that faculty workload policies would be rigorous. In the past two years, members of the Legislature raised the possibility of modifying tenure at the state universities.“The question I seem to get all the time, especially here in Topeka, is making sure I’m a good steward for the state’s funding for higher education,” he said.Under the Board of Regents policy, each university would craft faculty workload expectations that were “equitable, fair and balanced, and aligned with the unique needs of each department and the whole institution.” While all faculty would be assigned teaching loads, the policy said, exceptions would be permitted for clinical or research faculty, librarians and other personnel in noninstructional roles.The new systemwide policy was developed by Board of Regents’ staff, university administrators and faculty as well as state politicians. At least four drafts were circulated for review and comment during the past seven months.

Kansas adopts faculty workload, post-tenure review system for public universities

Geary County Rural Firefighters responded on three fire calls starting about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The Department reported that at 2:39 p.m. they went to Old Hwy 13 in Eastern Geary County for a large grass fire. Subjects welding on a fence ignited the dry grass.  Due to strong winds, the fire spread to the east and then started over 150 large hay bales on fire.  Assistance from Alta Vista Rural Fire and Riley County Fire was received to control and extinguish the fire.  There was approximately an additional 150-200 large bales that the department was able to protect.  

At 3:40pm  a page went out for a rekindle of a previous fire from last week in the area of Old 77 and Range Road in northern Geary County. 

Fire Units had just cleared from both of these calls when a possible vehicle fire was reported on I-70 mile post 292 west of Junction City.  Law Enforcement arrived on scene and advised that there was no fire.  All units were cancelled. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768962535131.jpeg" alt="( Rural Fire Department ) Old Highway fire site" />
 <figcaption>( Rural Fire Department ) Old Highway fire site</figcaption>
 </figure>Geary County Rural Firefighters responded on three fire calls starting about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.The Department reported that at 2:39 p.m. they went to Old Hwy 13 in Eastern Geary County for a large grass fire. Subjects welding on a fence ignited the dry grass. Due to strong winds, the fire spread to the east and then started over 150 large hay bales on fire. Assistance from Alta Vista Rural Fire and Riley County Fire was received to control and extinguish the fire. There was approximately an additional 150-200 large bales that the department was able to protect. At 3:40pm a page went out for a rekindle of a previous fire from last week in the area of Old 77 and Range Road in northern Geary County. Fire Units had just cleared from both of these calls when a possible vehicle fire was reported on I-70 mile post 292 west of Junction City. Law Enforcement arrived on scene and advised that there was no fire. All units were cancelled.

Geary County Rural firefighters respond to three calls

Recap - Junction City 77, Sumner Academy 53

Junction City and Sumner Academy tipped off the 53rd Annual Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament on Tuesday night. The Blue Jays won the opening tip, took an early lead, and never looked back.

Junction City senior Brody Boeckman scored the first six points of the game, all within four feet of the rim, as the Blue Jays cruised to a 77–53 victory in their first game of pool play. JC led 19–8 after the first quarter and expanded that advantage to an 18-point halftime lead at 41–23.

Throughout the game, Blue Jay head coach Easton Burgardt rotated through two different platoons of players. Junction City opened the second half on a 14–4 run to push the lead to 28 points at 55–27. Sumner Academy was never able to recover. JCHS led 63–35 at the end of the third quarter and went on to secure the 77–53 win.

The Blue Jays had four players score in double figures: Lovell Autry with 18 points, Khaliel Walker with 15 points, Brody Boeckman with 14 points, and Jaycen Lanier with 10 points. 

*Lanier led the charge throughout the second half, and the 10 points marked a career high for the junior. He was named our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Jaycen Lanier receives a $20 free meal voucher from Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 North Washington Street.

With the win, Junction City improves to 6–5 on the season and 1–0 in pool play at the Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament. The Blue Jays return to action Thursday at the mid-season tournament at 5:00 p.m. when they take on Gardner-Edgerton. As always, the game can be heard on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.

By Anthony Gorges
JC PostRecap - Junction City 77, Sumner Academy 53Junction City and Sumner Academy tipped off the 53rd Annual Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament on Tuesday night. The Blue Jays won the opening tip, took an early lead, and never looked back.Junction City senior Brody Boeckman scored the first six points of the game, all within four feet of the rim, as the Blue Jays cruised to a 77–53 victory in their first game of pool play. JC led 19–8 after the first quarter and expanded that advantage to an 18-point halftime lead at 41–23.Throughout the game, Blue Jay head coach Easton Burgardt rotated through two different platoons of players. Junction City opened the second half on a 14–4 run to push the lead to 28 points at 55–27. Sumner Academy was never able to recover. JCHS led 63–35 at the end of the third quarter and went on to secure the 77–53 win.The Blue Jays had four players score in double figures: Lovell Autry with 18 points, Khaliel Walker with 15 points, Brody Boeckman with 14 points, and Jaycen Lanier with 10 points. *Lanier led the charge throughout the second half, and the 10 points marked a career high for the junior. He was named our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Jaycen Lanier receives a $20 free meal voucher from Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 North Washington Street.With the win, Junction City improves to 6–5 on the season and 1–0 in pool play at the Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament. The Blue Jays return to action Thursday at the mid-season tournament at 5:00 p.m. when they take on Gardner-Edgerton. As always, the game can be heard on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.

🏀 Junction City Blue Jays win first-round game at Spring Hill Tournament

We have reached the midway point of the 2025-2026 High School Basketball season.&nbsp;

Junction City Blue Jay (boys basketball) is playing in the 53rd Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament.&nbsp;

Junction City (5-5) vs Sumner Academy (5-5) is set for game one of the tournament - Tip-off for the Blue Jays is at 5:00 p.m. here on Tuesday at Spring Hill High School, near Kansas City.&nbsp;

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

We have reached the midway point of the 2025-2026 High School Basketball season.&nbsp;Junction City Blue Jay (boys basketball) is playing in the 53rd Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament.&nbsp;Junction City (5-5) vs Sumner Academy (5-5) is set for game one of the tournament - Tip-off for the Blue Jays is at 5:00 p.m. here on Tuesday at Spring Hill High School, near Kansas City.&nbsp;You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">listen live by clicking here.</a>

🏀LISTEN LIVE: Junction City boys begin Mid-Season Tournament Play in KC

Kansas Department for Children and Families

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that applications are now being accepted for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The application period runs from&nbsp;Tuesday, Jan. 20, through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

LIEAP provides a one-time per year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2025, more than 43,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of about $680.

“LIEAP plays a critical role in helping Kansas families remain safe and warm through the state’s often harsh winter months,”&nbsp;said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.

The federal government shutdown in late 2025 delayed the distribution of LIEAP funding to states for the 2026 season, which in turn delayed DCF’s planning efforts and the start of the 2026 application period.

To qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home's heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (see the 2026 income eligibility guidelines below).&nbsp;The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

Applications can be accessed online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%25E2%2580%258B/1/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/UFIfgafp6bvq1HU70HOchgtkPYZMle9vBwlDihLTxaM=440">dcf.ks.gov​</a>&nbsp;by clicking the “Apply for Services” button on the top right side of the website.

DCF is planning in-person events to help Kansans submit their LIEAP applications. For a schedule of in-person LIEAP application events, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FPages%2FEnergyAssistance.aspx/1/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/6zcibZiwwqtT4grbsMiw--lEpbTTwbuvZJKiG2FuMa8=440">lieap.dcf.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and click on “Where are the in-person LIEAP application events being held this year” in the drop-down menu.

When applying for LIEAP, Kansans should have their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if they are living in subsidized housing.

2026&nbsp;Income Eligibility Guidelines

&nbsp; Learn more about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FPages%2FEnergyAssistance.aspx/2/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/oR1t_2sfzk4onCdY7dc55Orcl7z4SqhgSe0O8xgbbAg=440">LIEAP​</a>&nbsp;in Kansas, including frequently asked questions, other community resources, and the complete schedule of LIEAP application events at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FPages%2FEnergyAssistance.aspx/3/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/TQALKuXTDMaPEQYpyfed9GLejq-MLAtTFX-AXQd9oMM=440">lieap.dcf.ks.gov</a>.

Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768928912883.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department for Children and FamiliesTOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that applications are now being accepted for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The application period runs from&nbsp;Tuesday, Jan. 20, through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.LIEAP provides a one-time per year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2025, more than 43,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of about $680.“LIEAP plays a critical role in helping Kansas families remain safe and warm through the state’s often harsh winter months,”&nbsp;said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.The federal government shutdown in late 2025 delayed the distribution of LIEAP funding to states for the 2026 season, which in turn delayed DCF’s planning efforts and the start of the 2026 application period.Qualifying for LIEAPTo qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home's heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (see the 2026 income eligibility guidelines below).&nbsp;The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.Applying for LIEAPApplications can be accessed online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%25E2%2580%258B/1/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/UFIfgafp6bvq1HU70HOchgtkPYZMle9vBwlDihLTxaM=440">dcf.ks.gov​</a>&nbsp;by clicking the “Apply for Services” button on the top right side of the website.DCF is planning in-person events to help Kansans submit their LIEAP applications. For a schedule of in-person LIEAP application events, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FPages%2FEnergyAssistance.aspx/1/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/6zcibZiwwqtT4grbsMiw--lEpbTTwbuvZJKiG2FuMa8=440">lieap.dcf.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and click on “Where are the in-person LIEAP application events being held this year” in the drop-down menu.When applying for LIEAP, Kansans should have their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if they are living in subsidized housing.2026&nbsp;Income Eligibility Guidelines<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768928782772.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; Learn more about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FPages%2FEnergyAssistance.aspx/2/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/oR1t_2sfzk4onCdY7dc55Orcl7z4SqhgSe0O8xgbbAg=440">LIEAP​</a>&nbsp;in Kansas, including frequently asked questions, other community resources, and the complete schedule of LIEAP application events at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FPages%2FEnergyAssistance.aspx/3/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/TQALKuXTDMaPEQYpyfed9GLejq-MLAtTFX-AXQd9oMM=440">lieap.dcf.ks.gov</a>. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Low Income Energy Assistance Program applications open in Kansas

1st Infantry Division Soldiers living in Unaccompanied Housing, commonly referred to as barracks, will be able to take advantage of free Wi-Fi internet service under a pilot program the Army launched Tuesday at Fort Riley, the first location in the Army to begin this program. They said that under the program, the Army will cover the cost of the Wi-Fi service in 10 barracks buildings, making the free service available to approximately 1,400 Soldiers on Fort Riley.

Soldiers living in the barracks served by this program will receive instructions on signing up for the program. Soldier usage rate, as well as an assessment of the quality of the internet service, will help the Army determine next steps for free internet service across the force. 

The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act authorized free Wi-Fi for service members living in Unaccompanied Housing. Boldyn Networks is the internet service provider under this pilot program and will be tracking utilization rates, outages, and fixes to those outages.

1st Infantry Division Soldiers living in Unaccompanied Housing, commonly referred to as barracks, will be able to take advantage of free Wi-Fi internet service under a pilot program the Army launched Tuesday at Fort Riley, the first location in the Army to begin this program. They said that under the program, the Army will cover the cost of the Wi-Fi service in 10 barracks buildings, making the free service available to approximately 1,400 Soldiers on Fort Riley.Soldiers living in the barracks served by this program will receive instructions on signing up for the program. Soldier usage rate, as well as an assessment of the quality of the internet service, will help the Army determine next steps for free internet service across the force. The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act authorized free Wi-Fi for service members living in Unaccompanied Housing. Boldyn Networks is the internet service provider under this pilot program and will be tracking utilization rates, outages, and fixes to those outages.

Army Launches Wi-Fi Pilot Program at Fort Riley   

The City of Manhattan announced that Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) set new all‑time passenger marks in 2025, recording 83,220 enplanements (boardings) and 166,623 total passengers on its American Airlines services. Both figures surpassed&nbsp;the previous records set in 2024—an increase of about 2% year over year.

“MHK closed the year with a new all‑time passenger travel record, marking our second consecutive record year,” said Airport Director Brandon Keazer. “This milestone underscores sustained regional demand and strong traveler confidence in Manhattan Regional Airport. We appreciate the community’s support and look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.”

In addition to record growth in passenger traffic, MHK reached several operational and infrastructure milestones that strengthened service for the region. May 2025 set the all‑time monthly record with 8,360 enplanements—the first month in airport history to surpass 8,000 boardings. For the full year, the airport recorded 30,568 aircraft operations, including 119 military and athletic charter flights, reflecting a broad mix of commercial, general aviation, and charter activity.

"The Manhattan Regional Airport continues to grow as an important asset for our community, serving the needs of residents as well as our military, university and business partners,"&nbsp;said Mayor Susan Adamchak. "The infrastructure enhancements of expanded runway, additional hangars, and soon a new taxiway all contribute to the safety and convenience of flying through MHK.

Early in 2025, MHK opened eight new general aviation hangars—the airport’s first new hangars in more than two decades—expanding capacity for based aircraft, increasing hangar rental revenue, and driving higher fuel sales. The project received strong community support and was fully funded through a Federal Aviation Administration grant and the State of Kansas Build Kansas Fund. Design also began in 2025 for the reconstruction of Taxiway Alpha, the primary taxiway serving the main runway. Design is scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2026, after which the airport will seek construction bids and apply for an FAA grant expected to fund 95% of the total project cost, including both design and construction. 

Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026 and continue into 2027, with phased work to avoid disruptions to flight operations.&nbsp;

The City of Manhattan announced that Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) set new all‑time passenger marks in 2025, recording 83,220 enplanements (boardings) and 166,623 total passengers on its American Airlines services. Both figures surpassed&nbsp;the previous records set in 2024—an increase of about 2% year over year.“MHK closed the year with a new all‑time passenger travel record, marking our second consecutive record year,” said Airport Director Brandon Keazer. “This milestone underscores sustained regional demand and strong traveler confidence in Manhattan Regional Airport. We appreciate the community’s support and look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.”In addition to record growth in passenger traffic, MHK reached several operational and infrastructure milestones that strengthened service for the region. May 2025 set the all‑time monthly record with 8,360 enplanements—the first month in airport history to surpass 8,000 boardings. For the full year, the airport recorded 30,568 aircraft operations, including 119 military and athletic charter flights, reflecting a broad mix of commercial, general aviation, and charter activity."The Manhattan Regional Airport continues to grow as an important asset for our community, serving the needs of residents as well as our military, university and business partners,"&nbsp;said Mayor Susan Adamchak. "The infrastructure enhancements of expanded runway, additional hangars, and soon a new taxiway all contribute to the safety and convenience of flying through MHK.Early in 2025, MHK opened eight new general aviation hangars—the airport’s first new hangars in more than two decades—expanding capacity for based aircraft, increasing hangar rental revenue, and driving higher fuel sales. The project received strong community support and was fully funded through a Federal Aviation Administration grant and the State of Kansas Build Kansas Fund. Design also began in 2025 for the reconstruction of Taxiway Alpha, the primary taxiway serving the main runway. Design is scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2026, after which the airport will seek construction bids and apply for an FAA grant expected to fund 95% of the total project cost, including both design and construction. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026 and continue into 2027, with phased work to avoid disruptions to flight operations.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Manhattan Regional Airport sets passenger records

--Geary County 4-H Club Day is scheduled Feb. 14 at the First Presbyterian Church in Junction City. Room monitors are needed. Call Ginger Kopfer at the Extension Office at 785-238-416 or email at gkopfer@ksu.edu.

--4-H members wil be required to attend in-person at least four regular monthly meetings of the 4-H Club in which they are enrolled betweeen Oct. 1 and June 30 to participate in the project / livestock auction at the end of the fair this year. This requirement does not limit fair participation, only participation in the auction.

--Geary County 4-H Club Day is scheduled Feb. 14 at the First Presbyterian Church in Junction City. Room monitors are needed. Call Ginger Kopfer at the Extension Office at 785-238-416 or email at gkopfer@ksu.edu.--4-H members wil be required to attend in-person at least four regular monthly meetings of the 4-H Club in which they are enrolled betweeen Oct. 1 and June 30 to participate in the project / livestock auction at the end of the fair this year. This requirement does not limit fair participation, only participation in the auction.

Geary County 4-H news

Fort&nbsp; Riley Garrison Commander, Col. Gerald A. Nunziato, will be the keynote speaker at the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council Breakfast Thuursday. It begins at 7:30 a.m. at JC Naz, 1025 S. Washington.&nbsp; Doors open at 7 a.m. Tickets are $20.

Fort&nbsp; Riley Garrison Commander, Col. Gerald A. Nunziato, will be the keynote speaker at the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council Breakfast Thuursday. It begins at 7:30 a.m. at JC Naz, 1025 S. Washington.&nbsp; Doors open at 7 a.m. Tickets are $20.

MAC Breakfast is scheduled Thursday

The Geary County Emergency Management Office said that coldest air of the season so far builds into the region Thursday night and holds through the weekend. 

Morning wind chill values of 5 to 15 degrees below zero are forecast Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. Afternoon wind chills only warm into the single digits Friday and Saturday.

The Geary County Emergency Management Office said that coldest air of the season so far builds into the region Thursday night and holds through the weekend. Morning wind chill values of 5 to 15 degrees below zero are forecast Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. Afternoon wind chills only warm into the single digits Friday and Saturday.

Bitter cold  is expected later this week

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged identity theft crimes.

Just before 6p.m. Jan. 16, police arrested 47-year-old Kahlil Kilian, 47, of Kansas City, Missouri, according to the Riley County Police De partment activity report.

He is being held on a $10,000 bond on requested charges that include three counts of forgery; making or altering a written instrument, three counts of identity theft, two counts of theft by deception, one count of attempted theft by deception and three counts of forgery; distributing or issuing written instrument. This arrest stems from an original report filed in March of 2023.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged identity theft crimes.Just before 6p.m. Jan. 16, police arrested 47-year-old Kahlil Kilian, 47, of Kansas City, Missouri, according to the Riley County Police De partment activity report.He is being held on a $10,000 bond on requested charges that include three counts of forgery; making or altering a written instrument, three counts of identity theft, two counts of theft by deception, one count of attempted theft by deception and three counts of forgery; distributing or issuing written instrument. This arrest stems from an original report filed in March of 2023.&nbsp;

RCPD: Missouri man jailed for ID theft crimes

For the first time youth led the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Junction City. Keynote speaker Brewel Currie said that the dream that King spoke about was never meant to live in the past. "Youth are taking steps toward justice, unity and hope."

Currie noted that today must belong to our youth and speak up against injustice. "The dream is not history. It is destiny."

A large crowd attended the ceremony at the C.L. Hoover Hoover Opera House, which included music, remarks focusing on the need to vote and black entrepreneurship.

--Youth in Action Award to the Junction City High School's JROTC Blue Jay Battalion, 

--The Jackie l. Johnson Spirit Award to Freddie B. Hurt

--Coretta Scott King Courage Awards to Melanie Hoyle Laster and Alice Curry-Johnson.

This was the 41st year for a Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony in Junction City.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768869799728.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>For the first time youth led the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Junction City. Keynote speaker Brewel Currie said that the dream that King spoke about was never meant to live in the past. "Youth are taking steps toward justice, unity and hope."Currie noted that today must belong to our youth and speak up against injustice. "The dream is not history. It is destiny."A large crowd attended the ceremony at the C.L. Hoover Hoover Opera House, which included music, remarks focusing on the need to vote and black entrepreneurship.Prestigous awards were presented.--Youth in Action Award to the Junction City High School's JROTC Blue Jay Battalion, --The Jackie l. Johnson Spirit Award to Freddie B. Hurt--Coretta Scott King Courage Awards to Melanie Hoyle Laster and Alice Curry-Johnson.This was the 41st year for a Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony in Junction City.&nbsp;

Youth anchored the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Junction City

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Kevon Moore, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 01/09

Aarand Covington, Aggravated assault, Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 01/09

Darwin Ramirez Ortega, Drivers License without valid DL, arrested 01/10

Leslie Fisher, Domestic battery, arrested 01/10

Jason Amsdell, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Criminal threat against LEO, cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 01/10

Leigha Goff, Failure to appear, arrested 01/10

Tel Cottrel, Failure to appear, arrested 01/10

Itiyana Sherman, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 01/10

Michelle Acevedo, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 01/11

Mathias Lopez, Failure to appear, arrested 01/11

Anthony Meadows, Endangering a child, arrested 01/11

Karrington Johnson, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 01/11

Janine Williams, Burglary; (vehicle to commit felony); Theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime, arrested 01/12

Erica Brown, Interference with LEO, arrested 01/12

Chassidy Vieira, Failure to appear, arrested 01/12

Shelby Keogh, Harass by telecom device; Transmit comment/image/text to abuse/threat/harm; Criminal trespass; Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family; Burglary (dwelling to commit felony or theft), Domestic violence or sexually motivated crime, arrested 01/12

Joshua Mcculloch, Violation of a protective order, arrested 01/13

Ammie Dial, Failure to appear, arrested 01/13

Shaun Williams, Failure to appear, arrested 01/13

Daniel Williams, Probation violation, arrested 01/14

Briggan Karl, Unlawful restraint; Domestic battery, arrested 01/14

Makaila Meeks, Unlawful damage to property; Unlawful restraint, arrested 01/14

Cordesia Harper, Probation violation (Two counts), arrested 01/14

Vanessa Hall, Failure to appear, arrested 01/15

Shanyia Everett, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license; DUI - Liquor/Drugs (2nd offense), arrested 01/16

Amanda Horn, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 01/14

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768432002379.jpeg" alt="Erick Washington, Failure to appear; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Possession of controlled substance, arrested 01/09" />
 <figcaption>Erick Washington, Failure to appear; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Possession of controlled substance, arrested 01/09</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768432013810.jpeg" alt="Antoine Graham, Probation violation, arrested 01/09" />
 <figcaption>Antoine Graham, Probation violation, arrested 01/09</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768851893868.jpeg" alt="Marchella Woods, Intimidation of witness or victim; Prevent reporting of victimization; Theft - Lost or mislaid, $1000 pocket picking; Criminal deprivation of property; Criminal restraint; Aggravated domestic battery - Choke in rude manner; Family member/dating relationship; Domestic battery; Knowingly cause physical contact with family/dating relationship (3+ convictions in 5 years), arrested 01/13" />
 <figcaption>Marchella Woods, Intimidation of witness or victim; Prevent reporting of victimization; Theft - Lost or mislaid, $1000 pocket picking; Criminal deprivation of property; Criminal restraint; Aggravated domestic battery - Choke in rude manner; Family member/dating relationship; Domestic battery; Knowingly cause physical contact with family/dating relationship (3+ convictions in 5 years), arrested 01/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768852074929.jpeg" alt="Kirby Jahnke, Failure to appear, arrested 01/13" />
 <figcaption>Kirby Jahnke, Failure to appear, arrested 01/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768852085360.jpeg" alt="Alex Rivera, Arrest by LEO; Warrant arrest, arrested 01/13" />
 <figcaption>Alex Rivera, Arrest by LEO; Warrant arrest, arrested 01/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768852167396.jpeg" alt="Antonio Alexandru, Duty of governor to arrest person charged who has fled from justice, arrested 01/13" />
 <figcaption>Antonio Alexandru, Duty of governor to arrest person charged who has fled from justice, arrested 01/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768852176668.jpeg" alt="JC Hunt, Criminal possession of weapon by a felon; Taxation - Drugs - No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance; Interference with LEO; Possession of marijuana; Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 01/14" />
 <figcaption>JC Hunt, Criminal possession of weapon by a felon; Taxation - Drugs - No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance; Interference with LEO; Possession of marijuana; Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 01/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768852187725.jpeg" alt="Robert Warner, Possession of marijuana; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 01/14" />
 <figcaption>Robert Warner, Possession of marijuana; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 01/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768852217413.jpeg" alt="Alicia Whitt, Possession of marijuana; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 01/14" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Whitt, Possession of marijuana; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 01/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768852572532.jpeg" alt="Kevin Seldon, Failure to appear, arrested 01/15" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Seldon, Failure to appear, arrested 01/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768852582539.jpeg" alt="Aarand Covington, Domestic battery, arrested 01/16" />
 <figcaption>Aarand Covington, Domestic battery, arrested 01/16</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Kevon Moore, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 01/09Aarand Covington, Aggravated assault, Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 01/09Darwin Ramirez Ortega, Drivers License without valid DL, arrested 01/10Leslie Fisher, Domestic battery, arrested 01/10Jason Amsdell, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Criminal threat against LEO, cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 01/10Leigha Goff, Failure to appear, arrested 01/10Tel Cottrel, Failure to appear, arrested 01/10Itiyana Sherman, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 01/10Michelle Acevedo, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 01/11Mathias Lopez, Failure to appear, arrested 01/11Anthony Meadows, Endangering a child, arrested 01/11Karrington Johnson, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 01/11Preston Simpson, Assault, arrested 01/12Janine Williams, Burglary; (vehicle to commit felony); Theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime, arrested 01/12Erica Brown, Interference with LEO, arrested 01/12Chassidy Vieira, Failure to appear, arrested 01/12Shelby Keogh, Harass by telecom device; Transmit comment/image/text to abuse/threat/harm; Criminal trespass; Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family; Burglary (dwelling to commit felony or theft), Domestic violence or sexually motivated crime, arrested 01/12Joshua Mcculloch, Violation of a protective order, arrested 01/13Ammie Dial, Failure to appear, arrested 01/13Shaun Williams, Failure to appear, arrested 01/13Daniel Williams, Probation violation, arrested 01/14Briggan Karl, Unlawful restraint; Domestic battery, arrested 01/14Makaila Meeks, Unlawful damage to property; Unlawful restraint, arrested 01/14Cordesia Harper, Probation violation (Two counts), arrested 01/14Vanessa Hall, Failure to appear, arrested 01/15Shanyia Everett, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license; DUI - Liquor/Drugs (2nd offense), arrested 01/16Amanda Horn, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 01/14Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Jan. 10-16, 2026

By SUZANNE KING <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2026/01/08/why-30-rural-hospitals-in-kansas-and-12-in-missouri-are-at-risk/">The Beacon</a>

Kansas has more hospitals in immediate danger of closing than any other state, according to a recent analysis of the financial health of the country’s most remote hospitals.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://chqpr.org/">Center for Healthcare Quality &amp; Payment Reform</a>, a national policy organization, found that 68 rural Kansas hospitals are at risk of closing, including 30 at immediate risk. Its&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf">analysis</a>&nbsp;also put Missouri among the 10 worst states for rural closings, with 29 rural hospitals at risk of closing, including a dozen at immediate risk.

Nationwide, the analysis found that 756 hospitals — one-third of all rural hospitals — could be in jeopardy, including 323 that are at&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Solutions.html#the-need-for-rapid-action-to-prevent-closures-and-sustain-rural-healthcare">immediate risk</a>&nbsp;of closure. Hospitals that are losing money on patient services and don’t have enough reserves to offset those losses for more than six or seven years are considered to be at immediate risk.

Harold D. Miller, the Center for Healthcare Quality’s president and CEO, said the problem boils down to simple economics. Rural hospitals spend more than they bring in.

Because they are located in remote parts of the country, rural hospitals have fewer patients. But operating costs — like necessary staff and equipment — are the same as for hospitals in more populated areas.

At the same time, the cost of health care continues to climb, workforce shortages&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/12/24/traveling-nurses-kansas-hospitals/">make it more expensive to fill jobs</a>&nbsp;at rural facilities and much of the financial support that helped them through the COVID pandemic has gone away.

“Costs have gone up and payers haven’t kept up,” Miller said. “The hospital isn’t being paid based on actual cost. More likely it gets underpaid.”

A pessimistic assessment of the financial health of rural hospitals is not new. For years, experts have warned about pending closures. And across the country almost 200 rural hospitals have shut down since 2005, including 19 across&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/08/08/rural-hospitals-missouri-medicaid-cuts-at-risk-2025-closures/">Missouri</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2026/01/07/derbys-rock-regional-hospital-eviction-process-cleared-proceed-judge-decides/">Kansas</a>.

The rural hospitals that have closed their doors since 2012,&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Problems.html#the-magnitude-of-financial-losses-at-rural-hospitals">the Center for Healthcare Quality found</a>, had a median operating loss of 9%. Rural hospitals that stayed open had a median 5% profit margin.

Cindy Samuelson, spokeswoman for the Kansas Hospital Association, cautioned that the report’s dire predictions of 30 Kansas hospitals being on the brink of closing may be overblown. Many rural Kansas communities provide taxpayer support in the form of a city or county levy. Although that funding is not guaranteed, she said it is a good bet that it will continue.

“I really think you’re not going to see 30” hospitals close, Samuelson said. “Those people who live in those 30 areas are going to say, ‘We’ll pay the tax. Health care is important to us.’”&nbsp;

Kansas still has 100 rural hospitals — second only to Texas — while Missouri has 58. But many operate at a loss. And the challenges only seem to be growing.

Recent changes at the federal level are expected to dramatically increase the number of people without insurance&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/12/19/aca-expiring-tax-credits-health-insurance/">beginning this year</a>. That will likely add to the number of patients hospitals have to treat for free, and it is expected to ultimately lead to more expensive care since people who skip doctors’ appointments or medicine often end up sicker.

Hospitals also are watching what will happen at the state and federal levels to the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which helps many hospitals subsidize the cost of care across their operations. Some lawmakers would like to change the way the program works, which could leave hospitals with another big funding gap.

“It could impact essential services the hospitals provide,” Samuelson said.

While loss of the drug program or reduced government insurance coverage under Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act marketplace will likely mean problems for hospitals, Miller said many rural hospitals will face grim prospects even if none of those changes occurs. Already, he said, they are dealing with the reality that insurance plans aren’t paying them enough to cover their expenses.

Many people assume Medicare and Medicaid are the primary culprits for funding shortfalls, Miller said, but private insurance is actually a bigger factor for many small rural providers.

Private insurance is often the&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Data4A.html">largest contributor</a>&nbsp;to rural hospital revenue — especially since private Medicare Advantage plans have become increasingly popular. But often hospitals are getting the smallest reimbursements from that sector.

Traditional Medicare plans are required to cover most of the cost of care for the patients they cover, but the same is not true of Medicare Advantage plans, which are sold through private insurance companies and work like any other private plan.

Rural hospitals may fall outside a Medicare Advantage plan’s network, or the plan will quibble about paying for certain procedures or services. That can leave patients without nearby care options and hospitals without funds to cover costs.

All of it contributes to rural hospitals’ funding gaps, Miller said.

“If those private insurers are paying half as much as it costs to deliver services in the hospital,” he said, “that hospital is not going to stay open.”

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kha-net.org/CriticalIssues/FinancialStability/FinanceResources/d175040.aspx?type=view">2024 study</a>&nbsp;from the Kansas Hospital Association found that private insurers, or commercial payers, in the state paid less than payers in neighboring states. That left Kansas hospitals with fewer private dollars to help cover the costs of care for uninsured or underinsured patients.&nbsp;

And because private plans were covering less, patients were left carrying more bad debt, the study found, because they couldn’t afford out-of-pocket costs. Or they were avoiding care when they needed it, which ultimately drives up cost.

The closure of any rural hospital puts people’s health at risk. Not only are patients left with long drives to hospitals in an emergency, they also lose affiliated physician practices, laboratories and imaging services, which often puts preventive care in jeopardy.

“The bottom line for patients if they lose their hospital is that there’s always going to be a larger barrier for them to go seek care,” said Tom Mueller, director of the Kansas Center for Rural Health at the University of Kansas Medical Center. “It’s important to point out that rural folks are happy to drive for the most part. … But, regardless, if you’re talking about a 20-minute drive versus a two-hour drive, you might not go get that thing checked out.”

As a result, chances at early detection are missed. Screenings are postponed or avoided. And people’s health suffers.

Hope for rural transformation funds

Kansas hospitals are waiting for details about the funds the state has been awarded through the new $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, which is being dolled out to states across the country for the next five years.

Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/12/29/medicaid-missouri-rural-health-transformation-hr-1/">will receive</a>&nbsp;$216 million during the 2026 fiscal year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced, while Kansas will receive $222 million.&nbsp;

Samuelson said the details of exactly what was funded from the Kansas proposal will be announced in coming days. But she expects the programs funded will help hospitals. It won’t mean an immediate influx of money, but it will mean a chance for the state to invest in shoring up rural hospitals.&nbsp;

And the industry hopes the funds will bring structural changes, like addressing root causes of disease, which would make care less expensive. And investing in the rural health workforce.

“It’s going to be changes that will be impactful and hopefully long-lived with regards to transformative care in rural areas,” Samuelson said.

Lucretia Stargell, CEO of Goodland Regional Medical Center and Rawlins County Health Center in northwest Kansas, said she hopes the new transformation fund drives rural hospitals to be more collaborative.&nbsp;

In May, her hospital brought oncology care back to Goodland one day a week by sharing the cost with other rural hospitals. Now cancer patients can see a doctor close to home rather than driving to Hays or other faraway cities.

It’s an example of how rural hospitals can bring care to the patients, Stargell said, but also help patients navigate finding specialist care in other places when necessary.&nbsp;

“Our big audacious goal is to be a medical home for the region, she said. “We want to help coordinate your care. We want to get you to Hays or Salina or Kansas City, but we want you back. It’s a complex world to navigate, and that’s our duty as a hospital to be part of that.”

Hospitals haven’t gotten to the point of being on the brink of closure overnight, and getting back to health won’t be simple either, Stargell said. But taking deliberate steps to create long-term change seems like the best approach, she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768575830427.png" alt="A new study of rural hospitals finds that 30 hospitals in Kansas and 12 in Missouri are at risk of immediate closure. (Naomi O'Donnell/The Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>A new study of rural hospitals finds that 30 hospitals in Kansas and 12 in Missouri are at risk of immediate closure. (Naomi O'Donnell/The Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE KING <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2026/01/08/why-30-rural-hospitals-in-kansas-and-12-in-missouri-are-at-risk/">The Beacon</a>Kansas has more hospitals in immediate danger of closing than any other state, according to a recent analysis of the financial health of the country’s most remote hospitals.The&nbsp;<a href="https://chqpr.org/">Center for Healthcare Quality &amp; Payment Reform</a>, a national policy organization, found that 68 rural Kansas hospitals are at risk of closing, including 30 at immediate risk. Its&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf">analysis</a>&nbsp;also put Missouri among the 10 worst states for rural closings, with 29 rural hospitals at risk of closing, including a dozen at immediate risk.Nationwide, the analysis found that 756 hospitals — one-third of all rural hospitals — could be in jeopardy, including 323 that are at&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Solutions.html#the-need-for-rapid-action-to-prevent-closures-and-sustain-rural-healthcare">immediate risk</a>&nbsp;of closure. Hospitals that are losing money on patient services and don’t have enough reserves to offset those losses for more than six or seven years are considered to be at immediate risk.Harold D. Miller, the Center for Healthcare Quality’s president and CEO, said the problem boils down to simple economics. Rural hospitals spend more than they bring in.Because they are located in remote parts of the country, rural hospitals have fewer patients. But operating costs — like necessary staff and equipment — are the same as for hospitals in more populated areas.At the same time, the cost of health care continues to climb, workforce shortages&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/12/24/traveling-nurses-kansas-hospitals/">make it more expensive to fill jobs</a>&nbsp;at rural facilities and much of the financial support that helped them through the COVID pandemic has gone away.“Costs have gone up and payers haven’t kept up,” Miller said. “The hospital isn’t being paid based on actual cost. More likely it gets underpaid.”Challenges keep growingA pessimistic assessment of the financial health of rural hospitals is not new. For years, experts have warned about pending closures. And across the country almost 200 rural hospitals have shut down since 2005, including 19 across&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/08/08/rural-hospitals-missouri-medicaid-cuts-at-risk-2025-closures/">Missouri</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2026/01/07/derbys-rock-regional-hospital-eviction-process-cleared-proceed-judge-decides/">Kansas</a>.The rural hospitals that have closed their doors since 2012,&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Problems.html#the-magnitude-of-financial-losses-at-rural-hospitals">the Center for Healthcare Quality found</a>, had a median operating loss of 9%. Rural hospitals that stayed open had a median 5% profit margin.Cindy Samuelson, spokeswoman for the Kansas Hospital Association, cautioned that the report’s dire predictions of 30 Kansas hospitals being on the brink of closing may be overblown. Many rural Kansas communities provide taxpayer support in the form of a city or county levy. Although that funding is not guaranteed, she said it is a good bet that it will continue.“I really think you’re not going to see 30” hospitals close, Samuelson said. “Those people who live in those 30 areas are going to say, ‘We’ll pay the tax. Health care is important to us.’”&nbsp;Kansas still has 100 rural hospitals — second only to Texas — while Missouri has 58. But many operate at a loss. And the challenges only seem to be growing.Recent changes at the federal level are expected to dramatically increase the number of people without insurance&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/12/19/aca-expiring-tax-credits-health-insurance/">beginning this year</a>. That will likely add to the number of patients hospitals have to treat for free, and it is expected to ultimately lead to more expensive care since people who skip doctors’ appointments or medicine often end up sicker.Hospitals also are watching what will happen at the state and federal levels to the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which helps many hospitals subsidize the cost of care across their operations. Some lawmakers would like to change the way the program works, which could leave hospitals with another big funding gap.“It could impact essential services the hospitals provide,” Samuelson said.Lagging reimbursement ratesWhile loss of the drug program or reduced government insurance coverage under Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act marketplace will likely mean problems for hospitals, Miller said many rural hospitals will face grim prospects even if none of those changes occurs. Already, he said, they are dealing with the reality that insurance plans aren’t paying them enough to cover their expenses.Many people assume Medicare and Medicaid are the primary culprits for funding shortfalls, Miller said, but private insurance is actually a bigger factor for many small rural providers.Private insurance is often the&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Data4A.html">largest contributor</a>&nbsp;to rural hospital revenue — especially since private Medicare Advantage plans have become increasingly popular. But often hospitals are getting the smallest reimbursements from that sector.Traditional Medicare plans are required to cover most of the cost of care for the patients they cover, but the same is not true of Medicare Advantage plans, which are sold through private insurance companies and work like any other private plan.Rural hospitals may fall outside a Medicare Advantage plan’s network, or the plan will quibble about paying for certain procedures or services. That can leave patients without nearby care options and hospitals without funds to cover costs.All of it contributes to rural hospitals’ funding gaps, Miller said.“If those private insurers are paying half as much as it costs to deliver services in the hospital,” he said, “that hospital is not going to stay open.”A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kha-net.org/CriticalIssues/FinancialStability/FinanceResources/d175040.aspx?type=view">2024 study</a>&nbsp;from the Kansas Hospital Association found that private insurers, or commercial payers, in the state paid less than payers in neighboring states. That left Kansas hospitals with fewer private dollars to help cover the costs of care for uninsured or underinsured patients.&nbsp;And because private plans were covering less, patients were left carrying more bad debt, the study found, because they couldn’t afford out-of-pocket costs. Or they were avoiding care when they needed it, which ultimately drives up cost.The closure of any rural hospital puts people’s health at risk. Not only are patients left with long drives to hospitals in an emergency, they also lose affiliated physician practices, laboratories and imaging services, which often puts preventive care in jeopardy.“The bottom line for patients if they lose their hospital is that there’s always going to be a larger barrier for them to go seek care,” said Tom Mueller, director of the Kansas Center for Rural Health at the University of Kansas Medical Center. “It’s important to point out that rural folks are happy to drive for the most part. … But, regardless, if you’re talking about a 20-minute drive versus a two-hour drive, you might not go get that thing checked out.”As a result, chances at early detection are missed. Screenings are postponed or avoided. And people’s health suffers.Hope for rural transformation fundsKansas hospitals are waiting for details about the funds the state has been awarded through the new $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, which is being dolled out to states across the country for the next five years.Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/12/29/medicaid-missouri-rural-health-transformation-hr-1/">will receive</a>&nbsp;$216 million during the 2026 fiscal year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced, while Kansas will receive $222 million.&nbsp;Samuelson said the details of exactly what was funded from the Kansas proposal will be announced in coming days. But she expects the programs funded will help hospitals. It won’t mean an immediate influx of money, but it will mean a chance for the state to invest in shoring up rural hospitals.&nbsp;And the industry hopes the funds will bring structural changes, like addressing root causes of disease, which would make care less expensive. And investing in the rural health workforce.“It’s going to be changes that will be impactful and hopefully long-lived with regards to transformative care in rural areas,” Samuelson said.Lucretia Stargell, CEO of Goodland Regional Medical Center and Rawlins County Health Center in northwest Kansas, said she hopes the new transformation fund drives rural hospitals to be more collaborative.&nbsp;In May, her hospital brought oncology care back to Goodland one day a week by sharing the cost with other rural hospitals. Now cancer patients can see a doctor close to home rather than driving to Hays or other faraway cities.It’s an example of how rural hospitals can bring care to the patients, Stargell said, but also help patients navigate finding specialist care in other places when necessary.&nbsp;“Our big audacious goal is to be a medical home for the region, she said. “We want to help coordinate your care. We want to get you to Hays or Salina or Kansas City, but we want you back. It’s a complex world to navigate, and that’s our duty as a hospital to be part of that.”Hospitals haven’t gotten to the point of being on the brink of closure overnight, and getting back to health won’t be simple either, Stargell said. But taking deliberate steps to create long-term change seems like the best approach, she said.“If there were a quick fix,” she said, “hospitals wouldn’t be closing.”

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